Op Ed: "The Problems With Our Criminal Justice System"

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The Problems With Our Criminal Justice System

by Johnnelle Raines 

What ever happened to the belief that it is our God given right to protect our life and property? Today the government defines when, where and how we can defend ourselves. Have you noticed how lately our criminal justice system is more concerned about protecting the rights of the criminals than they are about protecting the law abiding citizen? The main stream media, our public schools, commercials, and movies have brainwashed us into thinking we should "walk a mile" in the criminal shoes before judging them. We need to be more compassionate...more tolerant...we need to realize they probably had a rough childhood. I for one am sick of hearing how we should "tolerate" evil. Why do we need to find out why the criminal committed the act? He broke the law! He deserves punishment to fit the crime. Why do we want to hear an excuse? When your child misbehaves at home, have you realized you usually ask, "Why did you do that?". It is not important why...they did something wrong...just punish the act! When you ask why someone broke the law or the rule you are encouraging them to think of good answer that will justify their wrongdoing! Lawyers focus on trying to find a "way" out for their client. The focus is on winning not on the truth of what happened. If the lawyer can just come up with a good "reason" why their client committed the act they can play on the judge or jury's sympathy and "win" a lesser punishment. The victims of the crimes are not getting the justice they deserve. The punishment should always fit the crime! For far too long our criminal justice system is focusing on the non-violent offenders when they should be focusing heavily on gang members and drug cartels.

Remember the saying, "Crime doesn't pay?" Well in reality it does. If we didn't have crime...we wouldn't need the police, bail bondsmen, lawyers, judges, etc. Crime is a big business and many a person makes their living off of it! The police, bail bondsmen, lawyers, politicians, bureaucrats and judges really don't have a dog in this fight. They need criminals so they get their paycheck monthly! They don't want crime to decrease! So it will be up to WE THE PEOPLE to demand better justice for the victims of crimes! How you might ask? By not shirking your duty when you get that notice in the mail to serve on jury duty! That is the way our nation's founding fathers provided to insure that you, not the politicians, judges, lawyers, etc rule this nation. Remember one fact...the only power the politicians, judges, lawyers, etc have over you is your ignorance. Don't try to get out of jury duty...be proud to serve. Remember the power of one lone juror. Educate yourself on the Constitution and make use of your power by serving on the jury. Remember this quote, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I should do and, with the help of God, I will do." Everett Hale.

Johnnelle Raines
Board Member Pickens County Taxpayer Association
Vice President Conservatives of the Upstate