During my college days many years ago, a political science professor made a profound statement to his students in class one day. At first, we thought he might be setting us up for a joke. But, as we waited for the punch line, which never came, the silence in the room indicated he was serious. He stated, “I could end all crime overnight.” Folks, the reaction of the class was one of skepticism. Comments ranged from; I see why this class is called an easy “A” class, or yeah, right, please don’t tell anyone I’m in your class.
But the professor was ahead of his time. More than 50 years has passed and his comment is becoming accurate and true. At least from a phonics point of view. In reality, however, we all know that just isn’t possible. As it turned out, the professor was being sarcastic. But, the class discussion warrants a review in today’s world.
Case in point: Governor Wes Moore of the state of Maryland recently signed an executive order granting pardons to 175,000 criminals who were serving time in jail. Here is a quote; “Today, we take a big step forward toward ensuring equal justice for all. But this won’t be our last effort.” The convictions were all drug related. This action was preceded by a state referendum abolishing the law upon which the criminals were convicted. Their actions were no longer a crime. Overnight, no more crime. Wow! Some may argue the severity of the crime. Doesn’t matter. At one point in the past, the act was criminal. The professor was right. All that is necessary to eliminate crime is to re-define the word. Somehow though “equal justice” doesn’t measure up. Well, at least the state of Maryland doesn’t have to house and feed 175,000 individuals.
But what of other crimes? Murder for example. The public discussion now is, people who kill someone are suffering from “mental illness.” That could be argued as true. How long before killing a human being is no longer murder, but a mental disorder. Is this not where the so called “Red Flag” laws are leading us? A person owns a gun and suddenly he starts acting weird? How many of you remember the 1979 “Twinkie Defense” case in California? A suspect on trial for murder and his defense was stated as “diminished capacity caused by depression and a change in diet.” The news media coined the phrase “twinkie defense.” The charge was changed from first degree murder to voluntary manslaughter.
Consider the fact, that today in large metropolitan areas, District Attorneys are not prosecuting certain crimes. Why? Is the case load to great? Or, or they simply not recognizing the actions as criminal? It simply could be the application of more, “equal justice.”
Folks, in reality crime is not being eliminated. It is not even being reduced. To paraphrase William Shakespeare on the fragrance of a rose; Crime by any other name is still a crime.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
