25th Anniversary of Twinkie Defense/San Francisco Riots

by Swan 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  Swan

  Just in case any of you history or legal buffs aren't already aware of it, the White Night Riots occurred 25 years ago today, May 21, 1979. The riots occurred when Dan White's legal team was successful in using the "Twinkie Defense" to acquit him of the premeditated murders of Mayor Moscone and City Supervisor Milk. The argument was that Dan White ate too many Twinkies. It was his sugar laden diet that caused him to enter city hall through a window with a gun, go up to the mayor's office, kill him, and then go to Milk's office and kill him too. The public outrage over the jury's decision resulted in rioting, 25 years ago today.

  Tammy
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  ohiocowboy

  Yes, it was a really crazy situation. Dan White was able to get off with only 6 years in prison, due to a diminished capacity-(Twinkie) defense due to a sugar rush, instead of getting life, or the death penalty. I find it ludicrous how people who are guilty as sin, can get off on such silly notions. Harvey Milk will live forever though through history, and what he did for Gay rights.

  CJ-of the better be careful of how many Ding-Dongs I eat class....
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  Yerusalyim

  Had that been the first, or last incident of a blatant miscarriage of justice rather than just a notorious one, hmmm.
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  Swan

  Yes, along with "If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit!" and the McDonald's hot coffee it will live long in the annals of notorious cases. I remember this watching this on the news back then in amazement. For me it became the first awareness I had of the current trend of not taking personal responsibility for one's actions. There may have been other incidents, but this was the first I became cognizant of. Now it seems like common sense is no longer in vogue and blaming others for your lot in life is normal.

  In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break!"

  Tammy
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  Undaunted Danny

  Clinical experience regarding hypoglycemia( Low blood sugar ).I am a type 2 diabetic if i experience low blood sugar if it goes below 70.

  I get weak,sweaty,anxious and very hungry. Going off and assulting somebody is the last thing on my mind.I crave sweets and I am in no way aggressive or disposed to violence.
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  Crazy151drinker

  My Semi-Grandfather was a firefighter with Dan and introduced him to his wife. Needless to say the topic does not come up at the dinner table...
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  talesin

  RIP Harvey Milke

  talesin