Thursday, August 25, 2005
With Liberty and Justice for All?
Y'know, the whole issue of racial profiling seems so cliche at this point. As a nation, we've moved from being shocked and outraged about racial profiling to accepting it as a regular component of law enforcement.On the other hand, Black and Latino folk haven't had the luxury of allowing the issue of racial profiling to slip out of their minds.
A recent report by the Justice Department on police traffic stops revealed that Whites, Blacks, and Latinos get pulled over at pretty much same rate.
However, what happens after the actual stop is a different story.
Black folk are nearly three times more likely to get searched than White folk- and the rate is even slightly higher for Latinos.
Blacks and Latinos are also three times more likely to be threatened with the use of force than White folk.
And here's the money ball: Black folk are nearly three times more likely to be arrested than White folk. It's just over two and a half times for Latinos as compared to White folk.
Whatever happened to all men being created equal? Oh yeah, I forgot, Black folk were considered 3/5 of White folk for tax purposes when that whole "Constitution" thing was written.
When will America live up to its promise of freedom and equality for all?
When will American citizens who happen to be Black or Latino be able to drive in their vehicles with the same comfort and peace of mind as the White population?
How long must we fight to be viewed as equals; not as criminals or animals or thugs?
This is about more than just statistics; this is about the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As Bob Herbert shows us in his column from today's New York Times, racial profiling isn't just a minor discomfort.
Maybe if/when the majority of White Americans start worrying about whether or not they're going to be shot when pulled over by law enforcement, things will change.
Until then, the struggle continues.
Read or Post a Comment
Well in the State of Florida, as of October 1, black folks will have to worry if they will actually be shot by law enforcement because of the "Stand your Ground" law that goes into effect. In essence the law says that ANYONE can return deadly force ANYWHERE if they see that deadly force is to be used towards them. Along with that law comes immunity from criminal and civil prosecution from the returnee of the deadly force. Florida now has a legal "shooting gallery".
Where can I find more infomation about the law?
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/sebok/20050502.html
And the link to the Florida State Senate page with links to text of the bill, etc.