11.26.2008

Closure

Those in Northern Nevada received great news this morning with the arrest of a suspect in Brianna Denison case. Local law enforcement laid out some impressive stuff this morning in a press conference. Obviously, we hope this helps the families of those involved get some closure with what they have gone through.

This case has received a ton of local and national media attention and clearly that attention paid off to some degree in the arrest of a suspect. My question is this (and in no way shape or form is any disrespect meant): Why doesn't every case of this type get the same type of attention? Rape and murder (in addition to child abuse) are the most heinous crimes a person could commit. Why wouldn't there be significant media coverage and/or community outrage every time such a crime is committed? Of course, those are rhetorical questions because the answers are ones that nobody wants to admit.
This crime was committed against a pretty, petite white girl from an affluent family. What happens if you change some of those descriptions? What if it was a poor ugly black girl? Or Mexican? Would she be "Reno's Daughter?" Would there be rewards offered and websites dedicated to the cause? Would there be a Dr. Phil appearance or a Dateline NBC crew in town?
What happened to Brianna Denison is absolutely horrific. As a father, thinking about an event like this brings out thoughts of a primal nature as to what I would do to the bastard if that happened to my daughters. I trust the law enforcement on this that they have the person who did this and that there can be closure.
But this type of case happens on far too often a basis in this country, in this world. And shame on us for not reacting the same way every time.

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