of what folks mean when they claim that the US is still a racist country. 

In the last several weeks, I've seen some bloggers commenting on efforts to allow convicted felons to vote after they've served their sentence.  When I saw those posts, I noted it and thought to myself, "Oh yeah, ok.  I think that's a good idea.  If someone has paid their debt, then I cannot imagine forbidding someone from exercizing their constitutional right to vote."  But the issue did not ignite my passion for social justice and I didn't do any further exploration.  Plenty of other stuff on my plate.

Now, listening to the Candidates Forum at the NAACP convention the third question presented to the candidates is on just this issue.  And wham, like getting hit by a bucket of ice water I get it. 

A quick google for "percentage black americans prison" brings up the AP's Disproportionate Share of Prison Inmates are Black from July 18, 2001.  For example:

In data released yesterday for South Carolina, 68 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 64 in correctional institutions were African-American. Blacks made up 27 percent of the state's total population in the same age group.

And from Drug War Facts: Race, Prison and Drug Laws:

1.46 million black men out of a total voting population of 10.4 million have lost their right to vote due to felony convictions.

Source: Thomas, P., "Study Suggests Black Male Prison Rate Impinges on Political Process," The Washington Post (January 30, 1997), p. A3.

Of course, ensuring that convicted felons can regain their right to vote is an issue the NAACP cares about. 

And it is a priviledge of my white skin that I did not make that connection.   

Just in case you don't, I'll try to spell it out:

There is evidence to indicate that a disproportionate percentage of persons of color are behind bars [particularly for drug offenses].

There is evidence to indicate that this is in part due to systemic inequalities in the way law enforcement and the judicial system are applied.  

These systemic inequalities have the net result of disproportionately disenfranchising people of color.

That, friends, is racism in action.

5:58:19 PM    

I am currently listening to the '04 Dems at Monday's NAACP Presidential Candidate Forum.  How wonderful that the internet makes this kind of stuff available. Months and months and months before I would normally have the opportunity to hear candidates face off and answer the same questions as one another side-by-side, I can sit at home and listen. 

After hearing all the opening remarks so far, I have to say first: that Al Sharpton is wonderful and while I don't think he is a viable candidate, I am glad he is in there being heard right now.  Second, I don't give a flying fig what any political analyst says.  Dean has a damn good chance. 

5:21:04 PM