It is amazing how relevant this class has been to everything that is going on in the World. Hearing earlier about the Radio consolidation proposal, and now seeing this article in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/19/business/worldbusiness/19media.html?ex=1172638800&en=2f4d263e2fc67c42&ei=5070&emc=eta1
“MADRID, Feb. 18 — On the opening day of Spain’s trial of 29 men accused in the deadly Madrid train bombings, police officers ringed the maximum-security brick courtroom while a helicopter whirled overhead.
"But with the click of a computer mouse, anyone can peek inside the inner sanctum for a glimpse of Spanish judges in black robes with white lace cuffs facing suspects barricaded behind bulletproof glass. [...]
“Datadiar has struck an alliance with the tribunal, the Audiencia Nacional, which has opened the courtroom wide to cameras. Four are posted at various angles in the court, and a fifth shows documents presented as evidence. “
I love that anyone can peek into the courtroom and follow the proceedings online. That is exactly how it should be. Although I agree, that the OJ Simpson circus showed us how NOT to publicize a trial, I hope we have learned our lesson. The world can only become a community if we are all involved and we can only be involved if we are given the chance by opening doors – or tiny little windows in this case – into courtrooms everywhere. I applaud Spain for showing how democracy should operate and for broadcasting without any commentary. For any mistakes that may happen during this trial, the judge seems to say: they have nothing to hide.
I would like to make it clear: I would not be so enthusiastic, if this was a television show, where “experts” weighed in on every word uttered. Although it may be hard for common people - not well versed in legal lingo - to understand what is happening, the symbolism of this opening is enormous. Everyone can take the time to follow the events. The company who is broadcasting is a for-profit firm, but made an exception in this case and made the footage available free of charge. Everyone – including the technology – is coming together and that is just so exciting to see.
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I agree that it is pretty exciting. I didn't know that the trail had no commentary in Spain. That is definatly a plus. For I feel as commentary is to much most of the time. There is to much of he said she said things like this.
I also thought it was great how the jugde said they have nothing to hide. It makes me want to know more about the case for there is nobody to switch things around or to confuse anything. I also wonder if one day the courts will want more thoughts about who people think did what. That sometimes people on the outside see things different and without judgement.
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