Patriot. Founding Father. Architect of Constitutional Freedoms. Diplomat. President. And....CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.
On the evening of March 5, 1770, in Boston, a City pulsing with anti-British fever, a fight broke out between a squad of British Soldiers and colonists at the Boston Commons. Five Boston Colonists were shot and killed in what was quickly called "The Boston Massacre." A Grand Jury indicted the British soldiers and their commander, and John Adams agreed to undertake the defense of the British Soldiers.
Lets us repeat this, so those who are too dull to initially comprehend the above statement (RON DESANTIS) can let this sink in: Attorney John Adams, patriot, future president, and criminal defense attorney agreed to undertake the DEFENSE OF THE ENEMY OF HIS COUNTRY. John Adams represented members of the army occupying his city. John Adams defended British soldiers who were accused of murdering his countrymen.
And he won.
History records that Adams was concerned that his unpopular defense of the enemy could affect his career, his business, and his future political endeavors. But Adams strongly believed in the right to trial and presumption of innocence. The first trial was of British Captain Thomas Preston who was accused of ordering his men to fire upon the crowd. The prosecution produced fifteen witnesses who testified, somewhat contradictory on basic facts, that Preston had ordered his men to fire. Adams produced twenty-three witnesses who testified that the soldiers, surrounded and threatened, were intimidated and provoked by the crowd. No one could positively testify who said the word "fire". When Preston was acquitted (after a the jury was sequestered) a verdict of Not Guilty was returned after the judge charged them with the term "reasonable doubt"- the first time a judge in Massachusetts had used that soon to be historic phrase.
Adams serves as a lodestar to all criminal defense attorneys who are asked to take on unpopular cases and clients. His actions continue to inspire those who practice law.
Enter Khurrum Wahid, a super-star Miami criminal defense attorney, and Ron DeSantis, the historically ignorant Republican candidate for governor of Florida.
Here is the Tweet DeSantis sent out on November 5:
Mr. DeSantis- Meet John Adams. Because your tweet applies as much to him, if not more, than to Khurrum Wahid. Mr. Wahid has acted in the highest traditions of our profession. You, with your ignorant and racist comments, have acted like the lowest fear-mongering racist trying to appeal to people's fears.
Khurrum Wahid stands with the heroes of our country like President John Adams. Your words Mr. DeSantis, place you in the dark depths with politicians like George Wallace. You have revealed yourself to not just be a racist, but a fool ignorant of his country's great history and the brave acts of our founding fathers.
Know this Khurrum Wahid: The entire defense Bar of Miami stands with you. And as word of this infamy spreads, we are sure the entire defense Bar of this country will stand right beside you.