African-Americans find themselves at odds with the criminal justice system by virtue of the high percentage of this segment of society being charged with crimes, and incarcerated. Because of the higher incidences of crime associated with blacks, a degree of profiling has been the fate of many. As a group, one can hardly blame those of African heritage for being angry about their experiences.

There is more crime in the inner cities, the ghetto by reference. Lower income people more often fall into lifestyles of crime because some of them perceive no way out of the vicious circle of poverty. Some turn to theft, and others deal in illicit drugs. Sadly, many do not see the way out through education, and dedication to bettering themselves. The result is conflict with the laws that govern all Americans.

As a people, the black community must be sick and tired of being blamed for high crime rates. To a degree, many tend to feel justified in their unlawfulness. Since they feel as if the “American Dream” is unavailable to them, they turn to unacceptable ways, contrary to law.

The justice system does itself no favors by racial profiling, but can you blame them? If the highest percentage opportunity of catching the “bad guys” lies within any specific group of people, it is logical to invest the time, and energy in that group. This catch-22 situation affects all blacks, and Hispanics as well.

A reality also exists that proper defense attorneys are not so easily available to people of lower socio-economical levels. Public defenders do their best, but a significant advantage to economic means exists in hiring attorneys. In this area, the African-Americans probably have a valid point of contention. Within the justice system, I would like to see improvements in the area of proper defense to all charged with crimes, regardless of racial heritage.

If America’s leaders, and role models of all backgrounds sought to, they could make a real difference. All Americans deserve equal treatment, and to be accepted without suspicions as to their activities. It is not acceptable to have groups of people of any background having a less desirable experience than others. That is not my America.