In April 1989, a 28-year-old woman was brutally attacked in the “Central Park jogger” case. Police rounded up 5 youths, ages 14 to 16, of whom 4 were black and 1 Hispanic. The DNA evidence didn’t match any of them, but based on coerced confessions, they spent years in prison. Eventually a prison lifer admitted to the crime, said he acted alone, and his DNA matched the crime scene samples. New York City settled with the 5 youths in 2014 for $41 million; they’re suing New York State for another $54 million.
Donald Trump wanted to kill these boys. He said they should be executed. He spent$85,000 on newspaper ads promoting “law and order.” Years letter, he wrote an op-ed condemning the settlement and insisting the boys were guilty. He couldn’t admit he was wrong. Nor does he see the problem with mob justice.
Here’s two things to know about Trump: He’s a racist and he stirs up mobs. In short, he’s of a piece with those who burn down civilizations.
