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• LETTER: Don Reese: A juror in the smoke-shop case  

Because I was there for every minute of testimony and because I participated in the jury deliberations, it seems absolutely clear to me that this verdict is far from an endorsement of the state police, Atty. Gen. Patrick Lynch and the governor. Only a very narrow view of the trial -- that any finding of guilt was a victory for the state, and only a not-guilty on every charge would have been a victory for the Narragansetts -- could possibly interpret the verdict as vindication for the state. . . .

given the events leading up to that day and the governor's subsequent behavior with regard to the smoke-shop raid, the trial, and the Narragansett Indians, I'm not holding my breath for the day when the tribe gets a fair shake from the governor.

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