Disbar Nifong

He pandered to win reelection. He exploited repugnant fears. He rejected exculpatory evidence. He ruined three lives. He ignored reality for bellicose and deceitful statements. Following his November victory, he hid. He pathetically slunk into the background, while the accused twisted.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina Bar Association filed charges against Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong. Their accusations state Nifong withheld evidence from the defense and lied to both the court and bar investigators.

Nifong is simply wretched. He should be disbarred. He should face criminal charges. He manipulated class and racial stereotypes for personal achievement. He is a miserable human being. Politicians and attorneys may massage the truth into their parameters. Nifong exceeded this practice. He invented his own reality. He proceeded without conscience. His actions fractured the criminal justice system.

Three collegians are now pariahs. A university is tarnished. A city has been forced to reexamine the scar tissue of two centuries. The available punishments are inadequate for Nifong’s horrific actions. Unfortunately, they are all that exists.