As far as the Resto case goes, specifically, I'm ok with him getting another chance. As you say, it's been a long time, and I personally do think that Resto is remorseful and was also sort of mentally coerced by Lewis (who I don't think is remorseful). I do like the idea of taking the Collins family's wishes into account (even deferring to their wishes).
But as far as your general comment, I do understand (though I disagree with) the people who think that Resto's ban should be permanent. And they're not saying it "as if none of us make mistakes." We all make mistakes, and I don't think anyone's denying that. I like to think, though, that for most of us here on the board, our mistakes aren't multiple felonies that land people in the hospital and ruin promising careers. What Resto and Lewis did goes way the hell beyond "making mistakes."
Resto has done his time in prison and has been living in shame for the past 30 years..
It's over and done with. If he wants to get back in the boxing game, it's not up to Collin's family to decide. They could voice their opinion of course but it shouldnt hold much weight in deciding whether to license him or not.
It should be totally up to NYSAC..
Let me give you an example. A teacher who served his time in prison for molesting or videoing his students in the restroom. Should he be allowed to go back to teaching after so many years?
I don't think there is a disagreement here. We both agree that it's up to NYSAC. The discord is with how much weight should they place on the statement of Collins family. And what we are debating here is, as of now, a hypothetical situation. We don't even know if they will even involve the Collins family in the issue.It's over and done with. If he wants to get back in the boxing game, it's not up to Collin's family to decide. They could voice their opinion of course but it shouldnt hold much weight in deciding whether to license him or not.
It should be totally up to NYSAC..
Out of curiosity, have you seen the documentary 'Assault in the Ring'?
The Collins family may well be contacted, that would be a standard procedure. But in your first post you said that they should have make the decision. If they have forgiven him let him work the corner if they haven't then don't.
It isn't up to them. It's a critical and fundamental notion of Western democracy. We have the rule of law. The law decides upon guilt, sentencing, punishment and rehabilitation. It's an impartial system of justice that all must adhere to. The victim of a crime doesn't get to decide the punishment, we democratically defer to the decision-making of judges and elected officials, after a careful assessment of all available facts and listening to both sides. The people are represented via the jury. It's a noble system.
Obviously this isn't a trial but the same principles apply. Resto has served the punishment and sentence given to him, a sentence determined by the law as being sufficient for the crime. That makes him reformed again, clean slate. Obviously they will consider all aspects and will pay careful attention to the feelings of all involved, but Resto is no longer to be viewed soley as a criminal as he has paid the price for that already. They will decide whether the public interest is best served by banning him indefinitely or allowing him a second chance. To hand that power over to the victim is no longer to hold the principle of societal justice and law in the highest regard and goes against the Americas core values. Imagine if it applied in every case. Justice would become arbitrary and random, depending on the decisions, not of a judge, but the victims and families of victims. Then imagine the pressure that would be put on them. Intimidation to drop charges and be lenient, bribery, illegal deals, vengeful wrath, obstruction of justice. We have moved on from these more primitive tribal based justice systems.
He didn't say the Collins family should make the decision. He said that those whose decision it is to make should accede to the wishes of the Collins family.
I totally disagree with your principle. Its not up to the victim, and their feelings on the matter are not, and cannot be impartial. The rule of law stands above individuals. The commission will decide if they think Resto deserves a second chance. They can listen to the Collins and factor in their views, but it would be absurd to think that Resto's future (or any criminals future for that matter) depended ultimately on what the victims felt. That would be arbitary justice, and the whole idea behind Western justice is that it is based on fair laws that apply to all.
When Tyson got out of jail, should the commission have asked Desiree Washington if he could fight again? Should they have asked the commander of the American army if Ali could fight on when he was released for draft dodging? What about Chris Eubank? Maybe Michael Watsons family should have been able to get his license taken away? Or the family of the man he killed when he crashed his 4 x 4? Or maybe the woman who he blinded when a firework he set off hit her in the face?
The whole principle of victim justice is archaic and doesn't work in practice. We are part of a democratic society, and as such we all adhere by the democratic law systems we have in place. Universal law and fairness, not arbitrary decisions based on the opinions of victims.
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