Abolition: News Miner 86
Abolitionists and the Elijah McClain trials, Tupa's run, RTD's lost billion, migrants, abortion on the ballot, and more.
‘Abolition’ and Police Prosecutions
Complete Colorado published my column, “Colorado ‘abolitionists’ send incoherent message on justice.” Here is an excerpt:
To me, an integral part of the criminal justice system is holding police accountable when they commit crimes. It is not at all clear that [Rep. Elisabeth] Epps agrees with this. When someone on Twitter suggested greater use of special prosecutors and grand juries to handle cases of potential criminal conduct by police officers, Epps replied, “No grand juries—ever. No special prosecutors—we do not trust them. We’ve been through this. No more reformist reforms—period. These are moments that require us to reject superficial carceral reshuffling. There is nothing logical about asking cops to fix cops. Resist!”
Holding cops accountable for killing Elijah McClain is just. No, it doesn’t bring him back. But it does reinforce proper standards. To me, generally holding officers accountable when they commit violent or other serious crimes is essential to a well-functioning criminal justice system. To Epps, apparently, it is just another manifestation of the inherently corrupt justice system. Epps also said, “Prosecuting cops is a [sic] not a step on the road to liberation.” But we will never be “liberated” from the need for a criminal justice system. What we can do is make it actually just—but Epps has made clear she will stand in the way of that goal in important ways.
Read the entire piece.
Tupa Speaks
I was surprised to see that former Democratic legislator Ron Tupa now is running for Congress as an independent against incumbent Democrat Brittany Pettersen (CD7). According to Pols, Tupa doesn’t even live in the district.
I don’t think Tupa has a chance in hell of winning; I do think he has some chance of helping the Republican beat Pettersen.
Anyway, I asked Tupa what he’s up to, and here’s what he said:
My goal in running for Congress is to provide another choice for the 47% of registered voters in CD-7 who are not affiliated with any political party. If all 47% voted for me, I would win the election fall 2024.
And as a former state legislator who passed laws allowing more candidates on the ballot and more options for voters, my candidacy is entirely consistent with my long-standing belief that increased competition is not only desirable but necessary for a vibrant and healthy democracy.
I support ranked choice voting and approval voting and am open to other systems of voting provided they are simple (easy to understand) and secure (accurate and auditable).
I then asked Tupa, “What are your priorities for Congress, and how do they differ from those of the incumbent?” I haven’t heard back.
Quick Notes
Migrants: 9News: “Overwhelmed by the recent surge of migrants, Denver reached out to the governor to ask for support from the Colorado National Guard, a spokesperson for the city told 9NEWS.”
RTD: Wow: Nathaniel Minor: “RTD staff, in their latest six-year financial plan, were projecting a subsidy would be necessary [of] $1.05 billion. . . . In September 2022, RTD predicted its FasTracks operating expenses would total $1.2 billion between 2023 and 2028. But in September 2023, it predicted FasTracks operating expenses would be more than double—$2.5 billion between 2024 and 2029. . . . It was an error.” I guess you know what they say about a billion here, a billion there. . .
Migrant Farming: Star Farms in Brighton allegedly provides inhumane working conditions for its migrant workers and fails to pay wages due, writes Sam Tabachnik. Many people on the left will say this illustrates the evils of capitalism. But the underlying problem is government restrictions on the labor market. (This does not excuse the farm’s misdeeds.) Tabachnik writes, “These migrant laborers, under the federal H-2A program, can only work for the employer who brings them into the country, making them captive and ripe for abuse, experts say. Unlike other laborers, they can’t hop to another job if the working conditions lag. Nor are they likely to speak up about mistreatment, leading the majority to suffer in silence.” But blaming capitalism for the harms of statism is a very old game.
Brad Jones: Huh (Westword): Brad Jones, who years ago ran the conservative Face the State, has “left politics behind in favor of Meet Kinksters, a dating app aimed at folks who want both an adventurous sex life and a long-term connection.”
Homeless: Denverite: “If [homeless people] stay in shelter for at least 14 days, Johnston’s administration will deem them successfully housed. If they’re back on the streets in a tent on day 15, they will still be counted as part of his goal to house 1,000.”
Republicans: They’ve invited Kari Lake to keynote their Centennial Dinner. Shameful.
Johnny Hurley: 9News: “On June 21, 2021, Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley was ambushed and fatally shot in Olde Town Arvada by Ronald Troyke. Hurley, who was inside a nearby store at the time, ran out and shot Troyke, killing him. Hurley picked up Troyke's rifle and was then shot and killed by a responding officer.” Arvada and the family reached a $2.775 million settlement.
Abortion: Jesse Paul: “Abortion access would be protected in Colorado’s constitution under a pair of 2024 ballot measures filed earlier this month by abortion-rights groups. Each of the initiatives would also lift the state’s nearly 40-year-old constitutional ban on state dollars being used to pay for abortions.” I don’t see the point of that. Meanwhile, Colorado Life Initiative wants to ban abortion via initiative.
Tutoring: Melanie Asmar: Denver Public Schools spent state money for outside tutors for 2% of its students, using outcomes-based contracts. Results were mixed.
Sign of the Times: Yes, I’m a Democrat now. But it still feels super-weird getting republished by the Colorado Times Recorder. I hope Jason Salzman’s readers don’t give him too much grief over it. Anyway, I appreciate Salzman trying to build some bridges.
Insectopia: Grasshoppers ate the marijuana crops. Could chickens eat those grasshoppers? Would that, uh, affect the eggs? Dude!
Clark: Kyle Clark announced on September 29 that he’ll be “be taking a few weeks away from work.” Michael Roberts has notes about a previous absence. I hope he has a great vacation.