There was an article in The Houma Courier last week regarding a 27 year old soldier‘s, Jabari Harding, automobile accident, and subsequent felony DWI charge, which reeked of potential injustice.
Several glaring questions loom over the entire accident, such as: Was the driver of the hit vehicle — who survived unscathed and was of legal drinking age — tested for alcohol? If so, what was his level? If not, why not? Was the fact that the other driver, Ralph Anderson III, the grandson of a sitting state Senator, play any part in influencing the officers to treat him more leniently than Harding was?
What was the speed limit, and was Harding within it? Was there a traffic light at the intersection? If so, who had the right of way? If not, was there a stop sign? If so, who had the right of way? Did Anderson see Harding coming, or did he turn left attempting to beat Harding through the intersection? Given the same circumstances, less Harding’s alcohol level, would the accident have happened anyway?
In this case, to disregard Anderson’s driving, and point solely at Harding’s blood alcohol level as the cause of the accident, is to jump to conclusions and pander to injustice.
The courts should be fair and equitable, and not be used as MADD’s personal lynching machine. Harding appears to be an honorable young man in a terrible situation. Automobile fatalities are heart wrenching, and these families have suffered greatly, but vigilantism subverts justice. Based on the article, it appears that Harding was unfortunately involved in an unavoidable accident caused by Anderson’s misjudgment. Apparently, to save the Senator’s grandson from any culpability, and to take the one-size-fits-all appeasement to the politically powerful machine, MADD, Harding’s alcohol level is the scapegoat, and injustice is poised to destroy yet another life.
The story in The Houma Courier
I personally knew Jabari Harding. He was the kindest man I had ever met. my son who has Cerebral Palsey became very close 2 him. It breaks my heart 2 see him in this position today. I just wish there was something that i could do
Sorry, correct email is above.
I am a veteran of the war in Iraq. I was so moved by the article in the Houma Courier that I immediately googled Harding’s name, but am reserving judgement until all the facts are in. I was aghasted at the predominately negative blogs against Harding and the negative media reporting coming out of the South Carolina press–and no mentioning of the “other” driver’s name except in the Houma paper. As you, I was concerned with Harding being treated fairly. His bond was set at $400,000 as if this guy would be a fugitive when he may not even be responsible for the accident. In other words, the accident may have occurred whether or not Harding had drunk a couple of beers–.085 at his weight is not more than two beers–not a “drunk” as his detractors are claiming. Under the old law of .10, he would not have been considered under the influence. I have been raising the same questions as you with a couple of friends. What was Harding’s speed? Could he have even avoided the accident? Who had the right of way? What was Anderson’s blood alchol level? Why was he not arrested and charged? If it was a single car accident resorting in two fatalities, Anderson would be charged with negligent homicide–correct? Why is the South Carolina media not asking and attempting to answer these questions–it reaks of a cover-up/conspiracy. Could this be you or me sitting four months in jail while the “other” guy walks free?