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Chapter 6: The Fire This Time

Tinkering Is For Mechanics, No Racial-Justice Advocates

Alexander argues that we must challenge the "mass incarceration" problem, even though it could possibly disrupt the new "caste system". She starts out with talking about how the "criminal justice system" is pointless. Today, it is said that the prison system would need to release about four out of five people that are presently in prison today .. Primarily wanting to end the whole "mass incarceration" system would have to result in the "War on Drugs" being terminated. The "drug cartel" has a huge part in the why the prisons are so compact and why they are expanding. Trying to end this enormous part in society cannot be terminated by just a court order or decision. Alexander explains when people think about crime they think about minorities and people in the ghetto. They think about the black and brown because they are racially profiled as the ones who commit crimes and it needs to come to an end. These types of "racial profiling" would include "African Americans" or "Mexicans" that tend live in the ghetto neighborhoods/communities with a lot of drug activity that "law enforcement officers" target. Alexander begins to give an example with the "Brown v. Board of Education" decision, where the schools were separated by color. If we do challenge the new "caste system" and successfully win along with making changes in the system, we will break the racial equilibrium. In all, Alexander concludes that the new "caste system" is a way of life along with what your social stance is. "Race" takes a primary toll of jobs, school, money, drugs, etc. There will never really be a termination of the "War on Drugs" so prisons will continue to incarcerate prisoners.

Outside Contribution

War on Drugs

A huge part of the "Drug War" is the "Mexican Drug War" and is very well known. Many drugs are distributed out of "Mexico" into the "United States". Such as "Cocaine", "Marijuana", "Meth", "Heroin" etc.

"Cocaine" is found on leaves from the "South American" "coca plant". It is illegal in all fifty states, along with "crack cocaine" (the cheaper version of cocaine but has a much greater penalty). Having possession is when he or she knowingly has it on his or her person or personal, such as a backpack or purse. According to the Criminal Defense Lawyer article, the possession of cocaine with no prior conviction and it is in the first offense the person will be sentenced to a maximum of one year in "prison" or fined $1,000, if not both. If the person has a prior conviction, whether it is a "narcotic" or "cocaine", they will be sentenced to two years in "prison", $2,500 fine but can also be sentenced both. With two or more convictions of possession prior to this present offense, they can be sentenced to 90 days in "prison" along with a $5,000 fine.

"Marijuana" is from a "cannabis" plant and the dried up flower leaves and clusters are what is ingested and or smoked. It also a very popular "drug" in the US and all over the world. If the possession of it is not as great as "cocaine" or "heroin". In some states in the US the drug is becoming legal and more states are considering it. Over 80 million of Americans have tried this type of "[drug]]". The Criminal Defense Lawyer article claims that, depending on the age of person and how much the person has been caught for possession, they will be fined and could plea bargain into going to a treatment program versus going to "prison". In each state the convictions differ along with how much of the "marijuana" they have on their person.

In addition, the Criminal Defense Lawyer article explains that "crystal meth" is specifically made up of "chemicals". It is described as a white powdery substance or can come in a rock form. If caught with the possession of "crystal meth", the punishment can vary from just being fined to a long felony conviction. When the person has a lot of "meth" on their person, there sentence will be a much longer one then someone who has hardly any.

"Heroin" is an "opiate" that is highly addictive. Furthermore, the Criminal Attorney article states if you caught selling or possessing "heroin", you can be charged with a "felony" and face two-four years in "prison" and could be fined to a maximum of $20,000.

Criminal Justice System

"Police" have a duty to protect the community and help the residents feel like they are in a safe environment. In many opinions, some feel that things have gotten out of hand, especially the "Ferguson" case. Micheal Brown was a 18 year-old "African American" male was shot by Officer "Darren Wilson", a white police officer in "Ferguson". Brown and a friend were walking down the street after being possible suspects in a robbery, when Officer Wilson pulled up to talk to them not related to the robbery. When Wilson drove back around and stopped where the two boys were, an altercation proceeded between Brown and the officer. In the end, Brown was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot about six times. Other cases like this have sky rocketed and the media has made them the center of the news and headlines. A lot of people are seeing it is another white police officer shooting at or killing an unarmed/armed African American.

"Police" are trained and well educated in there training/policing. The principles of police insist that: 1. The purpose of the "police force" is to prevent "crime" and maintain order. 2. Police depend on the approval and trust of the public in order to effectively do their jobs. 3. The ultimate goal of policing is to achieve voluntary compliance with the law in the community. 4. Police must be unwavering in their duties and adherence to the law, maintaining impartiality and avoiding the temptation to be swayed by public opinion. 5. The use of force and physical control is to be used as a last resort, only when other forms of persuasion have failed. 6. Police officers must remember that they, too, are members of the public and that their purpose is to serve and protect the public. 7. The true measure of the effectiveness of any police force is not the number of arrests or police actions taken, but the absence of criminal conduct and violations of the law. (The History of Modern Policing) According to these guidelines, police should be distinguishing the fears and concerns in their community. Instead, the media portrays it by making it worse because they initiate certain situations that are being handled the wrong way. They are to reassure the town or community that the police are here to keep them safe and show them that they actually care and have dignity for the people around them. When seeing a "police officer", whether its driving or in store, there should be a sense of safety and assurance not scared and wondering if you are doing something wrong. Police are there to help with anything and everything to the best of their ability.