I’m up late, writing a paper, but I felt it necessary to take a break from my doctoral program course work to tell you this (because it is SO VERY important, and yes, I’m getting a doctorate now. I REFUSE to be a lawyer and be part of that cesspool).
I felt it necessary to remind everyone that you have a CRUCIAL ROLE in removing nasty, unwanted Prosecutors and Judges out of office.
Ready? It’s a banger.
GO VOTE.
Yes, I know: for many the National Election feels like a Night of Excrement Theatre (AKA, a Shit Show), and I agree. I’m not thrilled about that part, either. But if nothing else, vote on the local level. It truly DOES matter, and your community will feel the effects.
Mike Wessler at The Prison Policy Initiative wrote a fantastic piece on the importance of voting, and how local races can most definitely have an impact on Mass Incarceration.
Politics have more of an impact than you realize: Judges, City Commissioners, Prosecutors, it ALL plays into Mass Incarceration, and Mike lays it out perfectly.
Prosecutors, for example:
- Oversee and prioritize cases, including whether to bring charges, what plea deals are offered, etc.
- Recommend bail conditions
- Act as gatekeepers for diversion programs
So if you believe your Michigan County’s Prosecutor is out of control, first and foremost, read this amazing resource prepared by The Justice Collaborative and The Brennan Center for Justice, but GO VOTE.
It doesn’t matter how much you protest, write letters/emails, because no one in a political seat is going to listen to reason until their actual job is on the line.
Democracy in Action
In fact, Allegan County voters just saw this in action. Residents rejoiced when long-seated prosecutor, Myrene Koch, lost the August primary. I have never seen so many people so happy as when she was booted out. It brought a community together. I also think it was a powerful reminder that elected officials have an obligation to listen to their constituents, or they’ll get das boot.
Change is possible, you just have to organize and beat politicians at their political games. Which, all elected officials, at their core, are.
My personal stance on candidates: if they don’t want reform, they don’t get my vote. Period.
If they don’t want to uphold the constitution, or wield their power within reason: I will HAPPILY VOTE THEM OUT. I will vote them out so hard and go skipping through the parking lot afterward.
The pen is MIGHTIER than the sword. Especially when your pen bypasses a crappy, self-serving, career politician’s bubble on a ballot, preventing them from contributing to mass incarceration and side-lining them if they refuse to be humane.
Can you change the court system? I have decided yes. But it’s going to take legislative work, voting, and likely volunteering with some campaigns. Start a Political Action Committee and inform the public how your local elected officials are bungling their jobs and the impact on communities.
Exercise that first amendment. Work it, girl!
Now… get some sleep and then get your rump to the poll tomorrow. Because truly, the life of someone you love may depend on it.
