Had you ever heard of either massacre featured in the story? What was your impression of the outcomes? Do you believe the results would differ if the incidents occurred today?

I had not heard of either massacre. I was aware of the Chinese labor that built the railroads. The results of the trial were sad, but not unexpected, given the time and location. The results may or may not be different today. I think it depends where in the world such an incident occurred. Sadly, genocide still exists in the world today.

I knew about the bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination that Chinese immigrants, like so many other groups, were subjected to.

I did not know about the massacres!

If you had asked me a year ago if I thought the outcome would be different today, I would have said yes. I am a retired litigator and know that our legal system, even with its flaws, works. However, the current composition of the judiciary, not to mention the DOJ and other agencies, frightens and disappoints me, so I’m not so sure. After all, if 1,500 people can walk free after attacking the Capitol, how can we be confident that justice still exists in this country?