Three men arrested in connection with the burning of the predominantly black Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, MA in the wee hours of November 5th “were acting in anger over the election of Barack Obama as president” according to opening arguments heard in court Friday.  Benjamin F. Haskell, 22; Michael F. Jacques, 24; and Thomas A. Gleason Jr., 21, all white men from Springfield, are charged with civil rights violations carrying a possible 10 year prison term.  Coverage from the Springfield Republican can be read here:  http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/3_men_charged_in_church_arson.html.