Reply #94: ...In response to your question [View All]

[marions ghost]

"Do you think she has a motivation for reporting a crime? Or for not reporting a crime?"

I think we can eliminate the need to say "I do not know" before every single comment or opinion we give. Of course we do not know. Many important facts of the case are not known. We are speculating. OK.

Probably everyone can think of reasons why she might report the crime (even the far-fetched one that being raped under these circumstances might be a good way to make some money), but I wonder about the reasons why she might NOT want to report the crime:

1. Occupation as 'Exotic' Dancer -- does she think this would not be used against her?

2. Serious arrest and conviction of her own in 2002 -- would that not make her hesitate?

3. Bad Publicity -- friends and family might disapprove (the classic)?

4. Huge financial gap between accuser and accused -- does she not realize the disadvantage?

5. Black vs white -- no doubt she realizes the disadvantage?

6. Testimony that she appeared to be drunk -- and this would NOT affect credibility?

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Have I missed any?

The fact that there are several GOOD reasons why she would NOT report the crime make me wonder why indeed, she did.

You have to wonder whether her willingness to press charges indicates anything about her confidence that she IS in a place where her case might go forward, ie. that she does have some degree of confidence in the system protecting her, that she has the solid support of her university, the black community of Durham, AND a large part of the white community (liberals or at least fair-minded people) in the area? Did these factors come together to make her overcome what so MANY rape victims report--a fear of coming forward, fear of being labelled with "false charges??"

The fact that she even REPORTED it is interesting to me, given the facts that we know. Am I crazy to think it might be even more convincing evidence that she thinks she has a case, and she is in fact, seeking justice? (Again speculation...I Do Not Know).