In my humblest of opinions the justice system needs some work in order to better fulfill its stated mission. There are elements that are functioning for the higher purposes of the nation and its people existing along with other aspects that are either not functioning or not functionally well. I can talk about that all day and I could give example upon example but in the end it comes down to who we are as a people and what we hope to achieve.
I see a nation that treats people fairly and knows how to maximize its human capital. Some agree with me on those aspects and some radically oppose. However, there is a significant element in society who feel that the laws should apply to help their specific religion, clan, race, or group and that others should have little to no rights or protections (Because someone feels that way doesn't mean it actually is or should be that way. It only means they feel that way and some of those who feel that way will misuse any system to mitigate those feelings.).
For the most part I cannot tell you why or how those distorted beliefs persist but it appears to be an acceptable part of society reaching into nearly ever corner of the justice system. The grotesque and the good seem to exist in the same time and space. One reaches toward our nation's principles and the other persists as a left over of a darker time and era.
(I have to use the term fellow citizens because even if someone has a different race or religion they are still true Americans endowed with certain rights no matter what those who violate our laws believe or how they act. Nor the wink and nod protections they sometimes get for behaviors that would be considered inappropriate if conducted against members of their own group.)
We could fix this of course but we have not yet done so. We have only started on that path more recently. I have seen the default where anything goes, even putting innocent people in harm's way, as long as certain groups are advantaged by these behaviors. The system for them has become a tool to self-enrich and push distorted values. We may rely on those systems for safety and security but they see them as tools to use against others which can make them appear unsafe and insecure (This is why different communities see different things.)
The good news is that the majority of the system doesn't function that way on an official level so there are occasionally checks and balances that come into play (Enough so that criminals don't feel 100% comfortable but they also feel a little too comfortable with the way laws are often applied). However, because these more appropriate checks and balances are being currently implemented poor, unconstitutional, and often criminal behavior may continue to persist for a decade or so until we realize our diversity is our strength (If used properly in human capital development and/or appreciate it for what it is.).
To me, every system must focus on its essential purpose each and every day. If there are people who misuse those systems, manipulate those systems, adjust the intent of such systems to harm people in their community, and violating the essential purpose of our nation there should be consequences. However, because we are just starting on the path of building integrity into it there will be lots of hiccups (We should never treat hiccups as inconsequential. They are signs of misapplication of justice.)
Someone might ask, "We know that a lot of people in society are saying it but aren't you afraid the consequences of using free speech?" I say, everyone is afraid of retaliation. However, patriotism to me is to correct that which is broken so as to ensure it fulfills our stated national purpose. I'm not always right but I can see the system divergently; good and bad. There is room for change, there is room for muted praise. The macro data coming out in the next few years will likely align more with my perspective from a scientific perspective.
Another might ask, "You do know that typically people like you are going to lose a lot for standing up for justice right?" I might retort. If someone can take it away, it was only on loan. In this life I expect nothing from anyone because I know how selfish people can be. I expect retaliation as a sign of where we currently are. Not that it has any real value and likely more of a foolish perspective but there may be some small solace in not selling our principles where others have so willing given them away.
We know that systems that use our money wisely and with the greatest good in mind will persist and those that don't will be legitimately and rightfully criticized. Fixing the system means we can better catch bad guys/gals, use our resources efficiently, and do so in a manner that helps the nation achieve its stated purpose. We seem to miss out on the practical and scientific aspects of the debate and lean more into the ideological weeds where its intentionally murky (Where loud voices sort of distort the truth).
My political idea of the day? Let us keep what works, let us fix what is broken, let us stay focused on our core purpose as a nation. If that is confusing, then I would encourage our leadership to find other lines of work where problem solving isn't necessary. I fully expect to be a dishwasher for having values, would you like to join me in this new found occupation of integrity? (Maybe maybe not...roll the dice.)
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