Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jun 2000
Source: Houston Chronicle (TX)
Copyright: 2000 Houston Chronicle
Contact:  Viewpoints Editor, P.O. Box 4260 Houston, Texas 77210-4260
Fax: (713) 220-3575
Website: http://www.chron.com/
Forum: http://www.chron.com/content/hcitalk/index.html
Author: Daryl Barnes

WAR TARGETS BLACK MEN

The study, "Punishment and Prejudice," from Human Rights Watch, only
confirms what has been known in the black community since the
(so-called) war on drugs began. From the beginning, it has been
nothing more than another example of the system's disdain for black
men. It has disenfranchised millions of black men, rendering them
economically and politically powerless. Untold thousands have become
rich from this war, while it decimated the black male.

As evidenced by an examination of economic and judicial policies, the
system has done everything possible to destroy the black man. America
fancies itself progressive in these areas, but in reality, racism has
only taken on a more covert nature.

The dynamics of the war on drugs (by coincidence or design) equal
genocide to the black male. The entire effort is directed to inner
cities, where the targeted population has no political power and is,
therefore, exploitable. The entire prison system exists on the misery
of thousands of drug addicts.

The prison business has become an economic base for failed farming
communities, making jobs available for whites who have lost out in the
failed farming sector or who are uneducated.

Some of America's brightest black men are now in the criminal justice
system, labeled as felons. These will not be able to find gainful
employment, raise a family or hold certain licenses. The black family
suffers and continues to deteriorate, just as it has under every other
policy the system has created.

Those in power believe that the system provides protection for them as
they continue to pass legislation which maintains the status quo. In
fact, America declared war on the black man a long time ago. Because
of this, I have no respect for the laws and refuse to be judged by a
jury of my peers. I owe this country nothing but what it has given to
me and people like me.

The system can lead me nowhere, just as no black man chosen by the
system can lead me. Society should be glad that I believe in God's
law, for I am a soldier in every sense of the word.

How long does America believe it can maintain the social order while
having 2 million angry, disenfranchised citizens in its midst? There
will come a time when America will face the decision of having to do
what is morally right or turn its guns against its own people.
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