There was nothing Sir Walter Scott delighted in more than a pair of flashing eyes. No one is safe from them. Whether you are a fiercely proud Jewess beset by seducers and knaves, a set-in-his-ways baron who disapproves of the young men at court, a mad bride, or just the Fair Maid of Perth, sooner or later your eyes will flash.

Another day, another black man murdered, another black man to mourn. This time, his name was Walter L. Scott. He was fifty years old and the father of four. He was shot in the back as he was running away. This time there is video of the murder though there has been video before and that has not been enough to bring about justice. I watched the video and felt so empty. I felt scared…