As the Sean Bell case moves forward, some may think it could not get more politically motivated. However it will. This year, DA Richard Brown is running for re-election in September. This makes this case the possible legacy of District Attorney Brown.
DA Brown has been dealing in the legal world for over 50 years, and as much work as he has done to better the system, he may be known as the guy who worked the Sean Bell case. How will this change the work on the campaign trail this summer?
At every stop along the trail, his years of work or the many convictions he garnered will mean nothing. One question, one topic will be at the tip of the voters tongue.
Now many would think I am assuming that if someone runs against Richard Brown this would happen. Trust me: there will be someone and not the type of candidate you expect. It will not be the black candidate who is the voice of the unheard that the Sharptons, Barrons pick or whom other community leaders pick.
Why do I say this?
The voting numbers show it will not work. The community may march, cry, and protest but they do not vote. A case like this, where many are screaming from the rooftops for change, many will not take a moment to go downstairs and turn the lever to vote. I have seen a line at 6 am in the morning at FootLocker for a pair of ugly Jordans, but no one comes out to vote during the walk home from work. So if DA Brown did a half ass job during the investigation or was not impartial, would it matter? If there was a change of venue or some other move that may imply a plan to get the officers off, what would the Black and Latino community do? Two segments on ABC news and on CNN of how we are mad, and then back to regular life. Think about this, all you possible candidates licking your chops and printing out your petitions. Also a friendly reminder to those who want hundreds of meetings to talk about how we need to make a statement and begin to change the system.
Let me be clear: I am not supporting Brown, nor am I against him, but watch closely as a man continues to work on a case that not only could cost him his job, but could tarnish his legacy, and at the same time watch a community react to Mr. Browns' actions.
Any bets on the voter turnout for this race?
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