Hillary Clinton is calling for a complete reform of our justice system. It is antiquated and “Justice’s” blindfold is threadbare.
This is not only about the excessive force used on black Americans, it is just as important that the court system become fair for everyone.
The headlines have revealed the case of Brock Turner, the former Stanford swimmer who raped an unconscious co-ed. He was sentenced to only six-months in jail; served only three. One case you probably have not heard about concerns another corrupt Republican.
The former Governor of Virginia, Robert F. McDonnell, was convicted of taking bribes in 2014. The Supreme Court overturned the conviction on a technicality. (He is a Republican). Federal prosecutors decided today that they would not retry the criminal. McDonnell and his wife had received more than $175,000 in gifts, trips, and ‘loans.’
Money and power has far too much influence within our court system. The wealthy and powerful receive sentences and other punishment less grievous than the poor and working class. There must be a standard where all convicted felons receive the same sentence for the same crime. Having attorneys with hundred-dollar haircuts, and wearing $5,000 suits must not influence the court’s decision.
Another case which offers proof of the inequality of our system is that of Ethan Couch. In 2013, Couch was convicted of killing four people, and injuring two others while driving under the influence. When the teenager was sent to trial, his “high-priced” attorney used the defense of “affluenza.” He was “too rich and too spoiled to understand the consequences of his actions.” Although four individuals lost their lives, Couch was given 10 years of probation; no jail time.
In December of 2015, a video of Couch participating in a “drunken party” emerged. His mother took him to Mexico. He had violated his probation, and was now facing time behind bars.
Couch and his mother were extradited back to the United States. His mother was placed on house arrest, she is free today, and young Couch, now 19, could be incarcerated for two years, but it’s highly unlikely.
Justice is no longer blind. Money buys freedom. The vast majority of our prison population were living in poverty prior to their conviction and imprisonment. In 2014, a study revealed that the average income of those incarcerated in the nation’s prisons, prior to their confinement was $19,185. The wealthy and powerful run free, while indigent Americans are given maximum punishment.
These three cases are more than sufficient proof that our system has failed the American people. Our judges are corrupt. Most must face reelection, and campaign funding continues to win elections.
Please re-post this; the 14th amendment rights of thousands of Americans have been violated. Thank you.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter: @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 