Justice Is Indeed Blind…That’s The Point

A lot has happened this weekend.  Currently, there are protests and other “peaceful demonstrations” taking place across the country. There are even reports that the Los Angeles Police Department is using rubber bullets on demonstrators.  It is one of the many venues of having a democratic system of government.  However, the reason of all the demonstrations is in regards to a controversial ruling of the trial of George Zimmerman.  He shot, and killed, a seventeen year old child named Trayvon Martin.

The jury found Zimmerman not guilty of killing Martin under the “Stand Your Ground” law in the state of Florida.  There were a few things that I found unsettling in this case: the fact that Zimmerman admitted to shooting, and killing, the unarmed child (actually, he was armed with a bag of Skittles…apparently Zimmerman didn’t want to taste the rainbow); he changed his story up to six times and yet was still found to be not guilty; certain charges couldn’t be made – such as second degree murder or manslaughter (the prosecution tried but couldn’t deliver); Zimmerman was allowed to act as if nothing had happened (never booked, never arrested, waited for other cops to show up and have his co-workers [that’s right, Zimmerman is a cop] console him and treat him like the victim, and many other things that I could discuss but I’m sure, by now, everyone knows the facts of the case.

Now before I get any further into this, I should note a disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and I’m sure there will be things said that will make some people mad, so, I apologize in advance.

While it is important that we all remember that the demonstrations are within constitutional boundaries of the law (freedom to petition and assemble come to mind under the first amendment), it is also important to remember that the jury reached a verdict of the accused.  Personally, I don’t agree with it and I, like many others, feel that George Zimmerman was guilty on many charges including murder.  That is one of the things that make a democracy a double-edge sword; we have to love it when it works for us, and love it when it goes against what we believe.  I would like to remind you that this is not the first case they have gotten wrong.  George Zimmerman is, in my mind, just as guilty as OJ Simpson, Andrea Yates, Casey Anthony, and countless others.  Is it fair, yes (because a jury found him not guilty); but is it right, not in any way. I view the demonstrations as a positive step because it only reinforces the notion that Americans are fed up with laws that are not creating an equal ground for all American citizens.  Sometimes is takes a tragedy to spark an outrage and to create an atmosphere of change in the laws being passed (or being repealed). The family of Trayvon Martin are putting their faith in God.  Personally, I believe in God. I know that one of the commandments is to not kill (I think the actual wording is “Thou Shall not Kill” which many have argued that it meant murder – if you kill something then it means that it was been murdered in one degree or another [again, my logic]).  I believe the American public will have their day, not in a courtroom, but in a voting booth. Okay, moving on…

This court case will obviously be a turning point for race relations and the many answers that are being demanded by the demonstrations across the nation.   

 For many, they fear their child might be the next statistic due to the color of their skin; women are not only afraid of their sons, but daughters are also fearful of their father’s and brother’s lives.  This isn’t just an African-American concern; it is a concern for all minorities in the United States.  The perception that the justice system doesn’t consider them equal under the law is a chilling notion to think, especially in the year 2013.  The fact of the matter is, minorities are feeling the burden of being “unwanted” by the rest of the nation.  It is evident every day. The Republican Party, in various states, are restricting the right to vote for minorities – not just African Americans; they are even restricting access to a woman’s healthcare options. The Democratic Party is not as ideal as I would like it to be either.  The minority, for them, are those that are religiously affiliated, the fiscally conscious, and those that protect the second amendment just as bad as they do their religion. (See, I can be unbiased). The point is, both parties need to overcome their differences and determine the best way to mitigate the racial tensions in this great nation. We need to remember that there is more than one racial minority in this country.  We cannot forget that, and we certainly cannot put one over another.  I guess the one thing I disliked about the Trayvon Martin case is the fact that people failed to realize that it was not a “white on black” hate crime; it was a “Hispanic on black” hate crime.

Now, in case you didn’t know, I am Hispanic.  I think it is horrible that a Hispanic did this to another individual of a minority.  I will again state that I believe George Zimmerman is guilty.  However, I think the best thing for me, and others, to do is to get more involved in the democratic process (hard to image since I’m already highly involved, but I digress).  I guess that is the point I’m trying to make: If you are at a peaceful demonstration/protest, that’s good; if you are angry, get involved; if you don’t like the way something is, focus on changing it so it is better – and equal – for everyone. These are the next steps for us to take.  This is the current challenge that we are facing.  We need leaders and those willing to get a little dirty to make some changes for the better of the country. To be a community, be involved and check up on one another. In order to believe in Democracy, you have to be an active participant in it. I hope the Martin Family continue to stay strong during this time and I ask whoever reads this to be more involved in your community, in your online presence, and in the American system.

We can all be better teachers. We can all be better leaders too; but it only takes a handful of people to stand up and lead.

…To The Future Political Endeavors Of A Certain Member Of Generation Y

    To continue the discussion from the last blog piece, the Supreme Court also voted on a case involving the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Now, in case you didn’t know, or forgot since you were in school, the Voting Rights Act ensured that African Americans, in addition to other minority groups, had the ability to vote in a free manner within the eleven southern states. The actual ruling on the case was struck down based on the fact that the “times have changed” in the United States.  Thus, the law is outdated and according to five [out of the nine] Supreme Court Justices felt that it was time to strike out this key provision within the Voting Rights Act (in turn, making it somewhat mundane as well as superfluous). It potentially opens up the door for states to discriminate against minority groups who vote, as this provision ensured their vote would be counted.  I’m still trying to understand this logic of the argument.  It is possible for states to pass laws that would require proof of residence and/or photo identification. It would be up to the courts to determine if these would fall under a form of “test” to determine if it is needed to vote – in which case, if it was then it would be unconstitutional. 

An individual told me that my right to vote has been minimalized since I am considered a minority.  I would love for someone to attempt to deny me my right to vote. I know the election laws, and I also know my rights as an American.  While I am still trying to understand the decision of the Supreme Court, and the dissenting opinion of the Court, I feel that the law is meant to be changed as society progresses (such as the Defense of Marriage Act). Perhaps it is time to reconsider this one and change the law instead of just striking out a section of the law. At the same time, it is just as important for all citizens [of every minority] are guaranteed their right for their vote to count. I personally don’t see a problem with having a citizen present a valid form of photo identification.  Again, I’m probably in the minority (and the pun was semi-intended).

      Now that I’ve discussed enough political news (and honestly, there is more news but I would hate to bore my readers with just that) it is time to discuss some personal news…yay!  Some of the things that I’m working towards is my political ambitions and also my acceptance to a graduate program.  After I take the GRE later this month, I hope to go to the University of Chapel Hill and I have my alma mater (Western Carolina University – GO CATAMOUNTS) as a back-up option.

            I might even make a run for public office soon. I’m not sure yet, so I’ll keep you wondering on that, ha-ha!

From An Election & The Supreme Rulings…

Well, a lot has happened within the last post.  With a special election over and two monumental rulings, even a state in political chaos and new adventures for the politically savvy, there is never a dull moment in my life and keeping up with the changing times.

            To pick up from my last post, the special election in South Carolina did not turn out in my favor.  Elizabeth Colbert-Busch did not win the congressional seat against former governor Mark Sanford.  I can’t say I’m surprised, given it is the most conservative district in the country, if only for South Carolina.  I don’t blame the candidate for her loss; nobody should ever fault the candidate in these campaigns.  I would argue that false hopes and misguided name recognition lead to the blind support of the Democratic party standing behind her in this race.  I also think the Democratic party was reluctant to stand by her because she was too conservative a “true democratic candidate” for their liking.  In the end, it is the experience that matters, and it is important to always look towards the next election and work to win that one. The object is to fight to win the next election; but one should never forget their losses, as it drives the desire to win the next race.

            May transcended into June, and the end of June brought the month went out with a loud bang. On the twenty-sixth of the month, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and also cited the Proposition Eight case from California, that it has no legal standing which meant they wouldn’t rule on it; thus, it allowed for the lower court’s decision to be upheld (which stated that Proposition Eight was unconstitutional in the state of California).  Both of these cases are huge victories for LGBT-individuals living in the United States [and the overall fight for Marriage Equality in the country]. 

Personally, I view these as good things for the United States regarding progressing for progress’ sake.  I do not believe that marriage is being “re-defined” or that the country’s moral standing will fall and the wrath of God will come down hard against this great nation. Nay, I believe that marriage has been extended to those outside of the “traditional” marriage practice and the state of California has the right to pass laws that are within the constitutional boundaries of the law. Since I am not a resident of that state, the Proposition Eight ruling does not apply to me; what does however is the Amendment One that was passed by 60% of the North Carolina voting populace in last year’s election cycle. As far as the law goes in the state of North Carolina: “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized”.  (NC Constitution, Article 14, Section 6)

            While we are talking about North Carolina, and the laws being passed within the state, it is important to focus on the General Assembly of the North Carolina State Legislature.  There have been a few bills that have been passed through the House of Representatives and/or the Senate that are not exactly promising when it comes to doing the best thing for the residents of the Tar Heel state.  The first issue is education and the battle to cut its funding. There is an incentive to have older teachers to retire early and to accept, as a parting gift, an extra $500.  The horrible thing is that it passed the House of Representatives! As far as I know, it is still being discussed in a senate committee. Let me backtrack a moment: After the election of 2012, the House, Senate, and Governorship went into the hands of Republicans (just stating a fact; this is how democracy works…whomever wins gets to be in power). 

            Now the House Republicans are trying to pass laws to limit education funding, revise the tax structure, and even pass anti-abortion measures attached to a law that is against Sharia law. First things first, I AM NOT ADVOCATING FOR SHARIA LAW (set aside the fact that it is Constitionally impossible for any religious based law to be followed in the USA); all I am saying is that we need to separate the real issues from “non-real” issues.  For example, the House republicans and Senate republicans have either passed, or will pass, a restructured tax base to allocate for tax breaks to the residents of North Carolina; the problem is that both houses have different views on what is the correct tax base formula.  Even Governor McCrory has stated that he will veto any bill that comes across his desk that would raise taxes on the middle class (which both plans do; Senate plan has middle class families paying more than $30 in taxes and I’m not sure about the House plan, but I’ll look into it and get back to you). I consider this to be an actual issue. The “non-real” issue is which plan saves North Carolina families…the answer: both plans, and the Governor knows it (which is why he’ll veto it...as it would haunt him around re-election time).

[The North Carolina Senate will vote today on their tax bill: The Senate Bill is #394 and the House Bill is #998]

As for the abortion rider in the bill against Sharia law (again, is Sharia law really a problem in North Carolina? Seriously?), this is also a thorn in the side for Governor McCrory as he stated in his campaign to become the Governor that he would not sign bills into law that would further restrict abortions. The sad thing is it might become law even if he vetoed the bill because they have the votes in the House to override him. When it comes to the real issue, such as abortion, we seem t have a lame duck governor in Raleigh. To review: Real issue – restricting abortions; “non-real” issue – Sharia law ever becoming the law in North Carolina (as it would be unconstitutional under our own state constitution, and the fact that the United States Constitution is the true law over all fifty states [and the territories] and that North Carolina was in the “God-fearing” south). Come to think this about it, how is that bill not unconstitutional?