America, Land of the Free, With Liberty and Justice for All

True for some but not all

What a load of hog wash. If America is the land of the free, why is it that the U.S., a mere 5 percent of the world’s population, and yet it imprisons 25 percent of the world’s prisoners? And do all these prisoners receive equal liberty and justice? Not in a pig’s eye.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m an American and proud of it. It’s some on these Americans and their actions that make me feel shame. The U.S. justice system is a real pigsty and most of its intelligent citizens are aware of the injustice that goes on in our courts. I’ll mention a couple cases that blatantly stand out as illustrations.

The O. J. Simpson trial, what a disgraceful side-show it was. I never followed much of it, because I don’t watch the overly slanted and headline catching news. I only catch pieces as I channel surf. This is where I caught a courtroom seen during the trial. I remember him trying on the gloves, a piece of evidence that would tie him to the crime. This scene of him pacing in front of the jury as he struggled dramatically to get his hands into the gloves was one fine piece of acting and obviously rehearsed.

Why are some allegedly smart people so stupid? Why would the judge even allow this? That was enough for me to draw a conclusion as to how the trial was going to turn out. How can anyone put on a pair of tight fitting gloves while wearing a pair of rubber sanitary gloves? I’m sure that was a shyster’s trick. And the only people believing the stunt were the defendant’s lawyers. The jury must have been dozing during this performance.

Tell me now; did O. J. receive equal justice? Would the outcome of his trial have been different if he couldn’t have afforded his league of lawyers? Everyone in the world, except his most ardent fans, knew the SOB was guilty. It was a joyous event when he lost his civil case, and yet, all it meant was he had to give up more of his easily earned money.

Does someone who has a court assigned or pro bono lawyer have the same equality as those who lay out big bucks to firms staffed with talented, experienced and shady lawyers?

When Prison Is Not Convenient

The famous and rich have a huge advantage over the poor and ordinary.

These days, especially if one lives in California where there are prisons build specifically to house those who have lots of money, pay-to-stay facilities, that advertise like holiday resorts, or where some prisons have special cells for these elite criminals who often pay a daily rate similar to a hotel or motel. A convicted criminal, or one waiting on trial, have all the comforts of home including phone, computer, TV and even a servant/guard. There’s nothing like having a short stay at the local resort while waiting on the Judge.

Another well known case, this one swaying the scales to the opposite side of justice, is the Martha Stewart case. Is there any doubt in your mind that she was railroaded in this case? Even though she is rich and famous, she was used as a scapegoat in this instance, for what reason, your guess is as good as mine. I, as well as many more, saw that she did nothing wrong. What is one supposed to do when they see their stock is about to drop drastically. Do nothing but sit and watch it float away.

While most famous and wealthy criminals are allowed to choose their place of incarceration, Martha was sent to the one place she didn’t want to go.

What is the answer?

It seems quite obvious that our justice system is not working. Personally I believe those incarcerated should be educated much like some who are fined for traffic violations. Teach them how to read and write. Give them something to be proud of instead of how many convenient stores they robbed. Or how much dope they distributed. The rich and famous should be housed with the general population, otherwise, what restitution are they providing? Putting out a few extra bucks means little to them.

So, I ask you again, is this great country of ours really “the land of the free, with liberty and justice for all?” Not really, but, I would rather live here than anywhere else in the world. With a little effort, we the people could make it better.