As I’ve admitted before, I was probably just as guilty as the average citizen that doesn’t pay too much attention to daily media reports that wasn’t either controversial or something I wasn’t personally interested in. That’s why I’m not about to condemn the African-American religious leaders who reportedly already have boldly and publicly endorsed incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Perry, instead of embracing Democratic challenger Tony Sanchez. However, after writing Publisher’s News Analysis weekly for some time now, I’ve become acutely aware of news and issues that might have escaped my scrutiny in the past.

Ideally, all politically-astute African-American leaders (whose opinions influence too many people to be considered personal) should also become more aware of news and issues reported in the mainstream media. Especially when it impacts our politically-apathetic community, negatively. First perhaps, I should qualify the fact that I know little or nothing about Tony Sanchez, other than what his paid political advertising purports.

Nevertheless, after reading how Gov. Rick Perry feels about Texas’ nationally criticized criminal justice system, it would be hard for me to cast my vote for him. He didn’t stutter when he told a Houston Chronicle reporter, “I think we’ve got a justice system that works in the state of Texas. The justice system in the state of Texas is basically for Texans.” I actually read the quote twice, to make sure I didn’t miss a word. Surely if Perry’s statement reflects his mindset, he obviously isn’t courting the grassroots Black or Brown vote.

Consequently, it’s very difficult for me to understand why several high profile African-American religious leaders could even consider supporting him. I’m talking about pastors of churches that depend on the tithes and offerings of hard working Black folks or seniors on fixed incomes who have children and grandchildren entrapped in the harshest criminal justice system in the nation. Forget, the rapists, murders, robbers, or even the dope dealers.

But how can pastors who deal with families of inmates who are incarcerated for minor parole or probation violations, in good conscience vote for a candidate who thinks TDCJ works well for Texans? That is unless Perry doesn’t consider African-Americans and Hispanics, Texans.
I was especially puzzled why most of the ministers would endorse Perry, insofar as the citizens in the community where their churches are located have suffered more because of Texas’ oppressive criminal justice system than any other communities in the state.

I hate criminals as much as the next person, therefore I’m certainly not a bleeding heart liberal who have a problem with being as tough as possible on criminals. But as chairman of the Acres Home Citizens Chamber, I’ve been up close and personal with too many families to agree with Perry.
Perhaps the Black pastors who’ve already gone on record in support of Perry don’t read AAN&I, or maybe they just missed the February editions that published some very in depth articles that quoted Sen. John Whitmire’s views on the criminal justice system. Whitmire really gave those who attended the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce’s 13th Annual Awards Banquet, something to think about when it comes to how minority youth are being abused and misused by the criminal justice system. And when Whitmire talks about the criminal justice system, one would be wise to listen, insofar as he is currently vice chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

As chairman of the committee in 1995, Whitmire fought for more lenient parole and probation policies. Whitmire, who certainly wasn’t campaigning or politicking at the banquet, had no problem admitting that the state’s criminal justice system is more about profits (appropriations to build more prisons to provide payrolls for small towns’ populations), than people. Since that time, parole and probation laws have gotten so harsh until veteran employees are quitting their jobs.
“I just can’t be part of a system that treat people so inhumane,” is how one compassionate sister explained her resignation from Harris County’s Adult Probation Department after almost 15 years. “Some of the cases just break your heart.” I know personally that the state’s criminal justice system is not only unjust, but has a double standard when it comes to minorities entrapped in it for minor crimes that once were ignored.

And if I know, I’m sure the pastors who’ve dealt with the system on behalf of their members certainly are aware of the downright brutal nature of TDCJ. I’m not talking physical brutality. I’m talking about the emotional and spiritual persecution inmates are subjected.
Are you aware that some TDCJ inmates can call home only once every three months? Do you know if inmates have any sum of money in their “Trust Fund” it can be confiscated to pay for aspirins if they get a headache? The harsher laws being passed by the U.S. Supreme Court and the leaner, meaner policies that the state parole and probation departments are putting on the books might work for rich, conservative Texans, but not for poor minorities.

Incidentally, according to a recent FBI report, Texas’ tough on crime laws aren’t working, inasmuch as overall crime in the state increased in 2001, while crime in other states decreased. African-Americans also should be mindful that Perry has vetoed Sen. Rodney Ellis’s bill preventing the execution of mentally retarded felons. He also has vetoed bills that would have given poor minority children better health care.

I’m certainly not going to tell anybody how to vote, but I just can’t see voting for a governor with a conservative elitist mindset. Meanwhile, I’ll be checking out Sanchez. I would love to see a Black and Brown coalition, but that’s not why I would vote for Sanchez.

It stands to reason, that if Mexican- Americans suffer from the same unique problems as African- Americans, Sanchez certainly should have a different mindset than Perry. At the very worse, he has to be the consider the lesser of two evils when it comes to minority issues. Meanwhile, AAN&I fully intends to find out why Black pastors are crossing party lines to support Perry, who has yet to support bills that are crucial for better health care or education for African-Americans.