Justice Served*

Chicago 26th California Courthouse February 25, 2010;

Sentencing of Ollie Anthony by Judge Diane Gordon Cannon:

" Mr Anthony, you are looking at 5 yrs. of time in the penitentiary for striking a well protected Chicago Police officer at an antiwar march on March 14, 2009. You have admitted your actions and have apologized accordingly. Duly noted.

While the overfed and underpaid prosecutor has made the hokey statement, "A single match can start a huge fire", the time and place of your actions, along with the neanderthal reactions of the CPD may have put many well meaning, innocent, and active citizens at risk from our cavemen protectors of social decency, the CPD, as it has been pointed out in opening remarks they are haunted by the ghosts of 1968 and are unable to withhold their fathers' rage against people using their civil rights.

Your father has testified that you have had mental health issues since the age of 10. This is nothing to be ashamed of since the vast majority of the stressed out, over/under medicated population suffers the same fate. On the particular day of the assault, you were not practicing your best health habits and were not following doctors orders. You were acting of not sound mind. This is heard by the court not as an excuse, but as a personal warning that society needs you to act with love and compassion. Unleashed, uncontrolled anger is not acceptable, but does not warrant prison time for this infraction, this time.

Your parents have come a long way to support you. Your friends have filled half the court room. Along with doctors and therapists help, I command you to lean on them during difficult times. I expect your parents to afford lodging if needed, as it is apparent they love you. If a friend called is unable to help immediately, I expect you to call another, and another, until you are surrounded with the love and support you desire. I can see standing in front of me a good person. I command you to research your condition and talk openly and freely, in an effort to help others with bi-polar disorder. If you look at your health issue as a way to help others, society will be better off, instead of actions leading you to my bench today.

Thirty months mental health probation could be a long time for someone dealing with the issues you have today. If you slip up and do not listen to my commands, return to mentally ill state of unwarranted violence, I can guarantee you only more compassion on my part. I do not want to see you in a cloudy, drugged up state of mind during this time. I want you striving to maintain a level, even tempered, thoughtful persona. Your parents and your friends want to see you this way, also. We know it may be difficult, but is necessary for all concerned. Your best must come forward, for 30 months, and the rest of your life. We know you will succeed."