Black users of crack cocaine are far more likely to end up in jail than White users of powder cocaine. Nothing exemplifies unequal justice in America better than this.
Two things explain this disparity: racism and wealth. They also explain why Blacks who steal peanuts end up in jail while Whites who embezzle millions walk free
Black users vs. White users
For decades, I’ve advocated for the decriminalization of all victimless crimes. Unfortunately, this progressive goal remains a pipe dream.
As a result, hundreds of thousands are in state and federal prisons for using drugs or engaging in prostitution. That reflects the latter-day Puritanism that governs so much of life in America. But the composition of those prisoners also highlights the racism that still dictates justice in America.
That’s why I applaud the government for taking a “First Step” toward redressing this injustice. It has enacted criminal justice reforms to reduce the racial disparity in sentencing related to crack and powder cocaine.
Generally, Blacks used crack and received draconian sentences. Whites used powder and received lenient sentences.
Across the country on Tuesday [November 1], federal judges began reviewing the prison sentences of thousands of men and women jailed on crack cocaine charges. Many inmates could be released or see their sentences sharply reduced. … So beginning Tuesday, as many as 12,000 people … are eligible to request that their prison sentences be sharply reduced.
(NPR November 1, 2011)
One small step for justice, one giant leap for crack users
I welcome this small, long-overdue first step to reform US drug policy. However, there are still too many steps left to take before we can celebrate.
Sudden freedom for the incarcerated will undoubtedly seem like a sweet dream. But the Constitutional guarantee of justice and equality for all still feels like a pipe dream.
I have written countless commentaries on this topic. But I invite you to read “The Real Drug War: Crack vs. Powder Cocaine,” August 10, 2010. It thoroughly explains the issues and puts them into proper perspective.
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