Op-Ed #1 - My Opinion On The American Criminal Justice System

Op-Ed #1 - My Opinion On The American Criminal Justice System

Before I get started on the topic, I first want to say that I have been busy with college and family situations that I have to deal with, which is the main reason why I have not been on top with my posts for a long time. I also have been thinking about what topics I have been thinking about writing about. Well, I have been thinking about controversial topics like politics, economics, or American culture in general (I'm a American). I want to talk about something that people would say black men are the main population in, which is the criminal justice system.

I would have to admit, the criminal justice system in America needs reform. The War on Drugs, which was started by the Nixon administration, but was more prominent during the Regan administration, did a good job on black imprisonment. Also, Bill Clinton signing the Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act, also known as H.R. 3355, was also responsible for the black male incarceration rates going up. However, how I see it, I know that these things happened. What I mean by this statement is that I know that the criminal justice system is not fair. Pro-blacks and white liberals tell blacks that if they commit a crime, they would get harsh sentences that white men would. I will let them have that statement: I would get a harsh sentence as a black male, fine. Even if that is the case, wouldn't I make sure I would not commit a crime that I know I will not get at least probation? I think that would be the logical statement to make. If you do not want to do the time, do not do the crime. 

Many of the crimes (including non-violent crimes) are felonies. Distribution of narcotics and infringing copyrighted work are two small examples that I can think off out of hundreds more. I know that these crimes exist, and what do I do to make sure I do not go to jail? Do not do any of these crimes. Just like gang prevention. What is the best gang prevention? Do not join a gang. What is the best sex prevention? Do not have sex. What is the best drug prevention? Do not do drugs. The point is if you know that bad things are going to happen to you doing these things, you just do not do it.
Why? Because I want to do something productive in the only life I have. Many jobs would not hire people with felonies or drug addictions, especially if it is more that one.

Is it easy for everyone to follow? No, and that could be for many reasons:broken homes, raised in abusive households, the whole family may be criminals, etc. I think it is easy for me because I have a support system that felt my life matters. Great male role models to a mother I have at home are a great support system. The criminal justice system has flaws, and I would let you have the statement that the system is not for American Blacks. If we believe that, then we as a people would make sure that we do not get caught in the system and our children and children's children would not get caught in the system.