There are a thousand cities and towns in this country that openly practice racism -- the case of the Jena 6, is no different than the voter fraud case of Rev. Edward Pinkney in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Both cases are only two that prove that racism is alive and well in the United States of America. We need to bring the poor: Blacks, Whites and Hispanic all together and start talking about racism and stop allowing the corporations and government to separate us.
The case of Jena 6 in Louisiana has gained national attention. Six young African-American students ages 16-18 have been framed and are facing many years in prison for a school-yard fight with white students. Three nooses were founded hanging from a tree after a Black student sat under a "white" only tree. The principal expelled the three white students, but the superintendent of schools reduced it to a suspension for a few days and called it a prank. Afterward, all of the African-American students stood under the forbidden tree for Blacks. The District Attorney came to the school and demanded that the Black students stop the protest or he would end their lives with the stroke of the pen.
A schoolyard fight was then used by the D.A. to arrest and railroad the African-American students for attempted murder. The first Jena, Louisiana [6] to go trial was Mychal Bell [age16]. An all white jury convicted him of attempted murder. This was not a jury of his peers. The court consisted of an all white jury, a white judge, a white prosecutor and a court-appointed attorney who called no witnesses. Mychal Bell was to be sentenced for up to 22 years in prison for attempted murder.
Rev. Pinkney addressing the court during his trial.
PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM
A national march in Jena was led by several of my friends and relatives. Mychal Bell's conviction was overturned on Sept 14, 2007 -- because the people stood up and fought.
The problems we face are racism and all-white juries. Most juries are pro -government. All to frequently, white juries find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt when the defendant is Black. It is an indication that white juries normally violate the sanctity of their oath and are usually motivated by something other than the pursuit of truth and justice.
We are having this problem today -- 50 Years after the Little Rock, Arkansas crisis. This is how the criminal justice system works in America. It is a mistake for us to point to Jena, Louisiana and Benton Harbor, Michigan. It is all over the country. Everybody should be concerned about this situation and the whole criminal justice system. We cannot allow the corporate owned government to separate us.
All poor Blacks, Whites, and Hispanics -- we better keep our mind on our freedom and freedom on our mind.
Benton Harbor Residents Speak Out
The Harbor Shores Project, under Public Act 425 allows for the temporary transfer of a small portion of St. Joseph land to the city of Benton Harbor for 20 years. After Benton Harbor has paid off the $89 Million or more infrastructure costs for this land, it all becomes St Joseph's forever and ever. This does not sound like a great deal for the people of Benton Harbor.
— J. Taylor
The Jean Klock Park provides the only place where the residents of Benton Harbor can freely enjoy the environment, open space, and dunes on the beautiful beach of Lake Michigan within Benton Harbor City limits. Now that is being taken away FOR A PRIVATE GOLF COURSE.
— Rev. D. Smith
A vote for Rev. Atterberry is a vote for corruption. All you ministers and church folks who claim you know God and have never stood up for anything -- if you vote for Rev. Atterberry you are voting for the takeover
of Benton Harbor by Whirlpool.
— Doug B.
Jena, Louisana and Benton Harbor, Michigan, are one and the same. There are many cities like this in the country only because we the people have failed to take a stand. If you do not want to fight for yourself, fight for your children and your grandchildren.
— Dorothy Pinkney
DO YOU WANT AN AMERICA RULED BY CORPORATIONS?
No? Then donate! Rev. Edward Pinkney is under house arrest. His home is in foreclosure. He and others stood up to Whirlpool's takeover of a whole town. He was attacked by every level of government -- from Benton Harbor to Gov. Granholm to the U.S. president. All are in the hands of the giant corporations. Take a stand. Send Tax-Deductible donations to: BANCO 1940 Union St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 or visit http://bhbanco.bolgspot.com.
