NO Ashley Williams, you are NOT a Superpredator
Dear Ashley Williams,
I personally thank you for your work and your activism, as it is making a difference.
20+ years ago, this country was experiencing major issues of drug and gang violence. It was in the era of crack cocaine, drug cartels, and gangs selling drugs on the city streets. It created violent havoc in many urban neighborhoods all around America. Children could barely walk to school, or sleep in their own beds without bullets whizzing by their bedroom windows or coming through their walls. The neighborhoods were not safe for those who had no where else to go. Parents residing in the most violent areas were deeply worried and feeling helpless, and young children were traumatized and scared.
I remember clearly how the local and national media sensationalized these crime incidents, and helped promote more fear in the citizenry who did not live in those neighborhoods. The various networks promoted day in, day out, that what was needed were get-tough-on-crime policies. With GOP and Reporters labeling Democrats as "Soft on Crime". Republican politicians, who held both chambers of congress, partnered with the media to mold public opinion into making the entire country believe that it was going to hell in a hand basket, and then some. Yes, and as you know, this country was racist then, as it is still racist now.
Were Superpredators anyone but gang members and drug dealers who were committing crimes such as robberies, car jacking, drive byes and shootings? Well my recollection as a 36 year old wife and mother then, is that, that is who they were. I was raising my own young Black family, living in West Oakland, California. I will add that I was fortunate enough not to live in the areas that most suffered the violence. But I did work in an East Oakland neighborhood on 35th Avenue and East 14th St., now MLK Avenue. I saw the neighborhood people that hung out in the street, as they transformed a little more everyday. I specifically remember one young woman, seemingly healthy and youthful one minute, shockingly turn into an old and damaged addict in just a few short months. Those were the times as they were.
That is why I know that you are not a Superpredator, nor have you ever been.
You are not a gang member nor a drug dealer. you are most likely a student, and a passionate young Black Activist wanting some answers, that is what I believe. Someone sickened and enraged at having to watch racial social injustice unfold, that more can now clearly see. My own daughter was on the ground at Ferguson, MO, from day one. She organized protests of the workhouse jails there. I witnessed her passion grow with each passing day. I even attended a meeting with her of an activist planning session while I was in St. Louis visiting.
I am simply answering the question you asked Hillary Clinton last night, although I'm sure she will answer you herself as well.
Now, let us ask about this crime bill passed into law in 1994.
Was that Crime Bill that President Bill Clinton signed, after two vetoes, a good bill? No it wasn’t.
Did it do far more damage than any good? Yes it certainly did, and time has told that story.
Did Bill Clinton apologize for signing this bill into law? Yes, he did.
Was that enough? Most likely not.
Did numerous legislators on both sides of the aisle vote for it? Yes they did.
Did Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders vote for it? Yes, he did.
Did he apologize for it? If he hasn't, he should.
Did Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton promote the bill? Yes, she did.
Did she apologize for that? If she hasn't, she should.
No matter how small or large anyone's role was in it, yes, they should all apologize,
to all of those many negatively affected over these years.
And furthermore, those running for office should have solid and sound criminal justice reforms as part of their platform, done in a way to insure that the wrongs from the past continue to be corrected.
And to be honest, the others that share the blame and need protesting against, is our News Media.
They were chief collaborators in the sensationalizing of various crime events at that time, and were the ones responsible to shape public opinion.
Not only did the local and national media sensationalize crime incidents, but they had the duty and the opportunity
to ask several important questions about the crime wave, that they were frightening people about. But the media never did ask these questions and instead helped promote tough crime policies. They are AS responsible as everyone else, so I pray that the BLM shows up in newsrooms. Because if they are exempted, they will have learned nothing at all for their part.
So in a sense, many more are guilty than are raising their hands, because this was done as a nation, and it was done in our name.
Respectfully,
A Black Hillary Clinton Supporter
= new reply since forum marked as read
sure got what she wanted. 
Did you criticize the Netroots and Seattle Sanders events the same way? Inquiring minds would love to know. 
Kicked, recommended and bookmarked. 
Sid
Beautifully written, and I thank you
