The final Baltimore State's Attorney forum was held yesterday (9.7.10) at UB
(BALTIMORE – September 8, 2010) – For me, yesterday’s candidates’ forum at the University of Baltimore pretty much summed up the fight between Baltimore City State’s Attorney Pat Jessamy and attorney Gregg Bernstein. A third candidate, Sheryl Lansey, was also present and shared great insight as to why Baltimore is so violent.
The moderator was Prof. Byron Warnken.
There was a packed audience, and I’m quite sure one can find their opinions online. However, as for me, I couldn’t take another minute of Bernstein’s approach.
If the only way he can look good is to attack and tear down Jessamy’s office, he has truly robbed himself.
While I was not feeling Bernstein before the forum, I did go with an open mind to hear for myself – in person – what solutions this candidate might offer. Yet, when the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership potential appeared, each time he swung and missed.
Instead, if you let Bernstein tell it, State’s Attorney Jessamy and her office have done nothing right and is solely responsible for Baltimore’s violent nature.
One thing that repeatedly has crossed my mind – even as this forum was happening – is how 44% of America’s prison population (in the most incarcerating nation on the planet) is black and male – like me.
And so, as I’m listening to Bernstein, and as I reflected on how so many people I grew up with are locked up, all I can see in this man is a desire to lock up more people.
Veering off of this race a bit, the solution for Baltimore’s violence is very simple. Jobs! And schools!
But, no! Baltimore gets two new prisons, instead.
Really and truly, I understand why Baltimore is so violent. Not at all making excuses, but in order to understand the violence, one must understand the conditions out of which the violence emanates: Fractured, if not broken families; single mothers trying to raise sons; absent fathers and selfish step-fathers.
Add empty pockets on top of that in a world so tuned-in to the mass media’s commercial onslaughts, and what do you get: Frustration!
In any event, it’s as if Bernstein shoots himself in the foot every time he speaks. Personally, I need to hear more about solutions and less tearing down of the major opponent – even if she hasn’t done the best possible job.
Often, Bernstein was obnoxious with his attacks, and seemed more focused on what Jessamy did wrong than on providing tangible solutions so as to help make Baltimore a safer place to live, work, and play!
Doni Morton Glover, the founder and publisher of www.bmorenews.com, has been a journalist for the past 15 years. He is a writer, photographer, and a political analyst for WBAL TV 11. Additionally, he is a local radio personality and host of “Empower Hour” on Radio One’s WOLB 1010 AM. The show is now in its 10th year and is the longest-running customized program on the station.