Justice Doesn't Live in Jena

I just saw a news report/video/mini-documentary about the Jena 6.  It ends dramatically with a little white kid saying "I don't think it's that bad.  Sure there's racism here.  There's racism everywhere."  Well, that about sums it up.  To the larger world of FOX TV viewers and Rush Limbaugh "ditto heads" - what's happening in Jena, Louisiana is no big thing.  No, the big news is that Mike Vick sponsored dog fights and allegedly played a part in killing some of the animals.  He recently pled guilty and is due to be sentenced.  Question:  What more is there to be said about Mike Vick?  Why do we have to hear about it over and over and over and over again, while six African American children are facing long prison terms for a school yard fight in which no one was hurt.   Isn't it within the powers of the United States Congress to investigate such egregious racism?  Apparently there are no hearings scheduled for the Senate Judicial Committee for this week.  So, I checked out the House Judicial Committee to see if maybe, just maybe they might be holding a hearing on the Jena Six, or  maybe even the unequal racism that exists in the US Courts (over which Congress has oversight). I was disappointed when I saw the listing of issues below.  Knowing how John Conyers has always been at the forefront fighting for justice, I can only surmise that his staff is not keeping him abreast of important current issues -- like the Jena 6.  And while I can understand the necessity of his commenting on Alberto Gonzalez's resignation, it would have been nice for him to take the time to comment on what's going on in Jena.  And in my humble opinion, racial injustices and cruel and unusual punishment toward anyone anywhere in the United States is more important and should be more urgent than "Internet Sex Crimes" .  Somehow Conyers was persuaded to hold hearings about how the government's use of drug informants contributed to the death of the 92-year old woman in Georgia.  Perhaps he can also be convinced to look into this matter.

                                                                                                                                           

8/27/2007 - Conyers Reacts to Attorney General's Resignation

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

	8/16/2007 - Conyers Announces Further Investigation of Warrantless Surveillance Releases Notes from FBI Director Concerning Ashcroft Hospital Incident

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

	8/3/2007 - Conyers, House Democrats Announce Plans to Hold Hearings on Internet Sex Crimes

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

	8/2/2007 - Conyers Announces Plans to Address Internet Sex Crimes

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

	7/31/2007 - House Passes Lobby Reform Bill

                                                       

7/30/2007 - Conyers Requests Details on "Massive Electronic Databases" Reportedly at Center of NSA Controversy

The House Judicial

Comments

[Villager]

Nice to see your blog back in the mix!

peace, Villager