Injustice for Black farmers
It is strange, as we become aware of the enormity of the offenses by the USDA [U.S. Department of Agriculture] against Black farmers that the Justice Department is not prosecuting the offenders. Instead, the Justice Department is defending the ADMITTED offenders.

The only answers seem to include incredible ignorance or corruption. A partial list of offenses by the USDA includes menacing with a deadly weapon, misappropriation of funds (stealing), discrimination in lending practices, displaying subversive emblems on government property, and name-calling, among others. These offenses happen both allegedly and admittedly to thousands of Black farmers. This information was brought to the attention of the hearing Judge at the courthouse in Washington, D.C., March 2, at the hearing on the proposed settlement to the Black farmers' class-action lawsuit.

This is the situation. Because the USDA was able to use the Justice Department to defend the admitted violations, the cost of the defense is concealed and is essentially free. This gives the defense (the USDA) unlimited funds and unlimited time while the Black farmers are working with practically no funds under time constraints, desperately needing whatever crumbs are offered, however unfair.

The privilege of a free legal defense has not been extended to other government officials accused of wrongdoing, including elected or appointed officials accused of tax evasion, drunk driving, perjury, sexual harassment or obstruction of justice. If it were the usual procedure to provide free defense, why was it not made available to these other government officials? If it is provided because of the violations made in the course of duty, is assault with a deadly weapon, misappropriation of funds and conspiracy also covered?

In the course of his description of the case, Judge Friedman stated that there should be no collusion between the lawyers for the plaintiffs and those of the defense. Doesn't the acceptance of free defense for the defendants by plaintiffs' lawyers suggest possible collusion?

If the Department of Justice is being used to protect a Government agency that has already admitted illegal, if not criminal actions, the said department is supporting injustice, not protecting the public against injustice. It is defending illegal, immoral, and unjust actions. In fact there is no contention that there was any illegal or unjust actions by the Black farmers. Why then, is the Department of Justice involved in legal action against people who are accused of no wrongdoing? Is there any specific law or constitutional amendment giving any government agency a directive to act against citizens who have not been accused of a crime or violation?

Since there is no such directive for any government agency, then the Department of Justice is exceeding its authority and acting illegally. Since said department is involved in defending unjust acts against citizens, it can only be concluded that it is not only obstructing justice, but compounding injustice! It would seem the judge could protect the farmers against this transgression!

A farmer

Johnstown, New York

More on prisoners' rights
I think the Militant is very informative and the subjects covered are well written and very in depth. My only suggestion would be that a bit more attention be given to the issues and the ordeals faced by prisoners. The injustices and abuses that are suffered by prisoners are increasing daily at the hands of the oppressive, money making privatized prison corporations that are running more and more prisons, and by the state D.O.C. [Department of Corrections] such as Connecticut's, who have been waging a war of demeaning and humiliating tactics against the prisoners in this state. I believe that the subscription base for the Militant consists of exactly the type of readers who, after learning of these abuses, will make a serious effort to bring about change for the better treatment of prisoners of all races and political and religious beliefs across the country.

A prisoner

Somers, Connecticut

The letters column is an open forum for all viewpoints on subjects of general interest to our readers. Please keep your letters brief. Where necessary they will be abridged. Please indicate if you prefer that your initials be used rather than your full name.  
 
 
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