I have never done an "open letter" before since I started writing for Odyssey. I always said maybe I will or maybe I won't. But, when I got home from class today and read the news like I always do, I was shocked. Actually, shocked isn't the correct word. Disgusted, furious, absolutely livid is what I should say and I knew exactly what my first "open letter" would be about.
In the past recent months, Brock Turner has been highly publicized throughout the media. If you do not know who I'm talking about, I am referring to the sorry, S.O.B, Stanford student that was found sexually assaulting an unconscious/intoxicated young woman behind a garbage bin earlier this year.
Now, this kind of terrible incident obviously isn't the first time we've heard a story like this. Sexual assault especially at colleges happens a lot more than we think. Yes, what Brock did was absolutely terrible, and he should rot in prison for ruining this girls life, right? Ha.. not according to his parents or even our judicial system, apparently. Brock Turner was released from prison Friday, September 2nd after only serving three months of the six months he was sentenced. Three. Freaking. Months.
You are probably wondering why I am ranting or even care, when in reality this doesn't affect my personal life at all. It's because I feel like this happens way too often.
There are people in prison right now for LIFE because they sold a little marijuana in their neighborhood. That is my problem. Brock, who was found GUILTY of THREE felony counts of sexual assault is being released after serving only three freaking months. That is why I am mad, that is why I am ranting. Because it is just plain wrong.
There is also another part of this story that makes my blood boil. Turner's parents, who have also gotten a lot of attention in the media. His father wrote a letter to the court which included the statement, "His life will never be the one he dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve. That is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action out of his 20 plus years of life."
A steep price? For 20 minutes of action? Are you kidding me? Your son raped a girl, behind a garbage bin, knowing she was unconscious, then tried to run away, because he knew what he was doing was heinous and awful. And you want everyone to feel sorry for your son? You want the judge to let him go because he is "always smiling and has a great personality?" Yeah, Dad also mentioned that in the letter too. The full letter is available all over the internet for anyone to read and it is pathetic.. Just like Brock and his parents.
No one cares if he was a good swimmer, or a smart kid. Just because you are successful in school and sports does not mean you get to receive a get out of jail free card.
To the young woman/victim of this crime, my heart goes out to you. We shouldn't have to live in a world where terrible people don't get rightfully punished for their crimes. Brock and his family could not give a crap about this girl and what she has been through. It doesn't matter if she drank a little too much that night, she shouldn't have to walk around with that scar on her life forever.
As for you Brock Turner.. I don't have much to say to you anymore. I hope all of your family's wealth can buy you a nice, cozy place in Hell.
