The tragic death of 88-year-old Delbert Belton (pictured) this week is yet another reminder of how violent living in America can be these days. Unfortunately, the fatal beating suffered by Belton also brings out the worst in human nature. Belton was white. The two juveniles accused of assaulting him are black. The knee-jerk reaction by some in our midst to immediately assume the dual mantle of judge and jury is not uncommon in this day of saturation coverage by the media, nor is the no-holds-barred nature of discourse found in comments posted on public websites. The case has attracted the attention of CNN, CBS and Fox News, and has sparked a relentless stream of comments via social media. The comments on our website, www.spokesman.com, began appearing quickly after the news broke of the fatal assault on Belton. Those comments quickly turned into an ugly display of stereotypes regarding blacks, comparisons to the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case and blame directed at President Barack Obama/Gary Graham, SR. More here.

• Also: 2nd juvenile arrested in beating death of veteran Delbert Belton/SR

Thoughts?