Is it possible to educate Black/Brown voters what happens when a Bill is passed by Congress? I am sick and tired of these Black/Brown voters harping on the Violent Crime and Control Law Enforcement Act of 1994. If only these Black/Brown voters would contact the Black/Brown elected officials of 1994 and get their assessment and maybe, just maybe these Black/Brown voters would stop demanding that Joe Biden “apologize” for “his” Bill.
Did you know Rep Jack Brooks (D-TX) was the SPONSOR of the Bill, co-sponsored by Rep Charles Shumner (D-NY) and Rep William Hughes (D-NJ) in the House? It was introduced/sponsored in the Senate by Sen Joe Biden (D-DE) co-sponsored by Sen Joe Liberman (D-CT), Sen Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Sen Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and signed by President William Clinton.
Now let’s discuss what happens when each level of Government interpreted this 1994 Crime Bill. At the Federal level it became a set sentence for a set crime, for example if a Black/Brown/White individual sold crack cocaine and the sentencing guideline was a mandatory 5 years, then each individual regardless of Race/Nationality was sentenced to 5 years. Now let’s jump to the State level where I will assume those in elected position are “white”. Given the same example at the State level, if a Black/Brown individual is convicted of selling crack cocaine they WILL receive the mandatory sentence of 5 years; if the white individual is convicted of the same crime, he/she will receive 1) a suspended sentence or 2) a reduced sentence.
The local DA has the option of recommending the length of time a convict will receive and the presiding Judge can overrule the local DA, so don’t blame Joe Biden for the increased incarceration of Black/Brown individuals, blame the interpretation of the Bill at the State or local level of government. And remember the Federal government cannot dictate to the State or local level government the interpretation of sentencing guidelines.
So please stop blaming Joe Biden, if you want to blame someone, blame self for not voting in every election since you turned the age of 18. Blame increased incarceration on your lack of interest as to how the different levels of government work. Stop complaining, stop asking for an apology from Joe Biden and IF you want to make a change, then get out there and vote in 2020, 2021, 2022 and so on until you are no longer breathing.
This is my Thought for the Day.
Daily Thoughts 