Near future news report - version 1

The anchor neutrally intones: “Near Columbia University two students were shot - one critically - in what appears to have been an organized arson attack on GreedyBank branch.”

And then - at a brisk speed - they are tried and convicted. An MNSBC legal expert - an ex-prosecutor says “Peaceful protest should always be the order of the day. These Ivy League students threw their lives away. I - for one - am saddened that some of them were given long prison sentences. But…”

Near future news report - version 2

The anchor is clearly angry and says: “Near State University a student was shot dead and six other students were injured in a shootout with police. Three are in critical condition. The group was involved in a pre-planned terror/arson attack on GreedyBank branch.”

And then - at astonishing speed - they are tried and convicted. In a highly unusual move the democratically appointed Attorney General has been directly involved in the case. She gave near daily press conferences in what she called “updates to case”. Joy Reid says: “I am bothered by what appears to be crass political maneuvering by the Attorney General. She - herself - has said she is ‘probably’ running for governor in the next election. Air quotes on ‘probably’ - right? Updates to the case? For whose benefit? Politics must never interfere with the law and with justice. Do I really need to say that? She’s not even a republican, y’all!”

But an MNSBC legal expert - an ex-prosecutor says “Peaceful protest must - repeat must - be the order of the day. What these students did is reprehensible. Truly reprehensible. They were given what some observers are calling long and unjust prison sentences. I strongly disagree. We are a nation of laws. This being the case…”