California just passed ( *correction Advanced a law not Passed ) a law to finally do something about huge discrepancies in drug sentences by race. This is a story that has been covered for quite some time. However several people may not understand how something like this is even possible.
California State Senate advances Bill to Repeal Mandatory Sentencing For Some Drug Convictions
Even though whites are more likely to have tried more types of drugs, blacks are the ones who get sentenced. This happens because police target low income communities that tend to be more concentrated with blacks, than with whites. So the drug arrests the police are making, happen in those communities.
Much of this kind of policing was uncovered with separate DOJ investigations, into Ferguson and Baltimore.
In both investigations evidence showed that police tend to target low income communities. Being sent to jail is expensive, and so is hiring a proper defense. People living in low income communities aren't able to fight the 'justice' system.
So even if they don't deserve the long drug sentences, they'll get them. While other ethnic groups will escape having to experience this setback, as they are not being targeted by the police. With the new administration already calling for even tougher sentencing already, hopes of police and justice system reform have been dashed.
This move in California presents a hopeful moment.
However, if nothing is done to change who the police are targeting we shouldn't really expect a judge in a courtroom to make a difference. Most judges are just trying to move cases off their docket. They're not looking at the race of the person in their courtrooms. Oftentimes, they're not even challenging whether or not a case should be in front of them.
The only way to stop these kinds of things from happening is through police reform. But I'm not to optimistic that'll happen anytime soon. Especially since we live in a society with so many people who push back.
In spite of all the evidence shown to them that there is a problem, they will suggest those are just lies. They'll suggest that something should be done about the criminals, while fighting everything that is ever brought up to 'do' anything about criminals. Crime is linked to poverty.
However we're not even discussing Crime 'in general' but the Very Specific use of Drugs.
If whites are using More drugs than blacks are, then why are blacks doing more time in Jail for drug offenses? Those who say Police aren't targeting minority communities are the roadblock to progress. They don't want to see reform to the police departments, in spite of all the evidence we see of the harm being done. If anyone truly wants to make the nation a better place, the first thing we can all do is tune out the people with an agenda to keep things the way they've always been.
Thanks for stopping by
*Editors Note:
If you have a comment that wants to 'debate' what's in this article; Please have actual facts and data; not just an opinion; Or else I'll advise others who do stop by to mute you and not read what you're saying. This is an issue that is impacting people's lives. It's not a matter to be debated. If you're not offering solutions in the comments, please go write your own Steem :)