A Jury and a Jester.

Don't know if anyone saw this update from the Associated Press. It's about the woman who killed a motorcyclist by running into the back of her bike. The woman SUV driver was painting her nails at the time. Yes, while driving. Here's the latest story from Chicago.

"After hearing two days of testimony, a Lake County jury has convicted a woman who was painting her nails while driving when she struck and killed a motorcyclist at a red light.

Lora Hunt, of Morris, Ill., was found guilty of reckless homicide in the death of Anita Zaffke in Lake Zurich, Ill., on May 2, 2009.

During his closing argument, Hunt's lawyer said Hunt has admitted that painting her nails was a 'stupid, stupid, thing.' But Jeff Tomczak argued that it was no different than eating a sandwich, talking on a cell phone or tending to a baby.

"She was negligent, not reckless," Tomczak said. "She can't be found guilty".

I'm pleased that the jury did the right thing. Notice they found the woman guilty of homicide, not manslaughter. Good for them. Not that it will replace the loss for Ms. Zaffke's family. It's still a travesty but there's some comfort when justice is done. We are still awaiting the sentence.

As to the defense lawyer, what can I say? I'm totally outraged. His client didn't just bump into something or have a fender bender. She freakin' killed somebody!! Let's cuff him to a bicycle with the wheels chained to the pavement in the middle of an intersection. Then we'll rope off several blocks which we will fill with rich bitches doing their nails while driving their big SUV's. Wonder if he will get a different definition of negligent and reckless?

I have to tell you a quick story about a defense lawyer who tried to take me on when I was testifying in court on a rape case.

This defense lawyer, Ralph Newsome, tried to make a case that a woman couldn't be raped because a guy couldn't ( I'm sorry, there's no other way to put this ) penetrate her without her consent. To "prove" his point he handed me a pencil and told me to come stand in front of the witness stand. Then Mr. Newsome picked up a coffee cup. I was then instructed to stick the pencil in the cup. Seriously. Mr. Newsome pranced around moving the cup every which way. After a few attempts and tired of being played for a fool, I made my move. Macho cop style.

I grabbed the asshole by the neck and squeezed hard.

"Hold that fucking cup still or I'll kill you!", I yelled at him.

Newsome froze. Plunk went the pencil into the cup.

"That, Mr. Newsome, is how rape works."

Fortunately the judge didn't care much for Mr. Newsome, either, so there were no retributions for me. The suspect was convicted just like Lora Hunt. Despite the defense lawyers.

I just wonder when the insanity will all end and people will start taking their driving more seriously. Unfortunately, that's probably a pipe dream. Depressing, isn't it? What's even more depressing is the existence of people like Jeff Tomczak.

Take care of yourselves out there. Please.

Dan