THE LEAF CHRONICAL OPINION

THE LEAF CHRONICAL OPINION

            What is the opposite of justice? How can we know it when we see it or when we experience it? How do we define racial profiling?  Almost two months have passed since the incident in Sanford, Florida fueled a national discussion on the progress of race relationship in America. In some way, each citizen is responsible for what America looks like today. The story has been covered by the media but one TV network suggest it was just an accident.

            I agree with the national outcry and protest that is including citizens of all economic and racial identification. It is not just about the individual who shot the gun, but the conduct of the police department (who serves and protects) presenting a case of institutional racialism. Hooded individuals are therefore gathering all over the nation to express concern.

            The fact that the murder of a black by a none black seemed covered up by police is not incidental to this death and is cause for great concern. However, while we are concerned that a black boy is dead, the fact is, several black men are killed each month in Detroit, Chicago, Nashville and other large cities across the nation. What if the circumstances of this case were the same, except the shooter was black? Another black man would be dead and the shooter would have been arrested that night and destined for prison’s death row. We lose more young men in Black on Black crime than are murdered by others. Where is the Black church, clergy, civil rights organization’s in our own communities regarding this fact. How can we so strongly condemn the neglect of police, legislators and government officials, when we are not involved in a nation campaign to solve our own problems?

            It is not just Sanford’s police Department. It is part of our criminal justice system. We are 12% of the national population, yet 50% of prisoners are Negros. Justice is not just...equality is not equal. Prisons are big business on the stock market. It is not the intent of the criminal justice system to rehabilitate, but to stabilize the ex-con in the circle of returns to prison. Meanwhile, we are shut up in our houses of worship on Sundays and have forgotten what  Jesus said about our commitment to the hungry, sick and those in jail. When will the church call thousands together to seriously deal with black on black crimes? Check your news media, a black man probably died at the hands of another black today.

            Some who claim to be the moral right seems more  to be the moral wrong. They claim to be patriots but their legislative agenda has made it more difficult for American citizens to vote, and at the same time easier for citizens to commit murder...protected by “Stand Your Ground”  legislation across the nation. What is the opposite of justice? How can we know it when we   experience it?  Every day, our school children are repeating the pledge.  ”One nation under God…with liberty and justice for all.”  Neither is true!

                                                                                    Pastor Jerry Jerkins

                                                                                    Clarksville, Tennessee

                                                                                    931-220-1522

                                                                                    April 6, 2012