Resolution #23-25
HIA Resolution – 2023 The Hoonah Indian Association makes some very good points in RESOLUTION #23-25 Resolution of Support for Thomas Jack. You should read up on this case. The Native communities are unrepresented in the judicial system. Governor Dunleavy has failed to recognize or act on this. Tribal Council findings represent the facts. A court stacked against Thomas Mack- that being an all white court is not justice. Native neighbors ethnic rights in the judiciary system harms Alaska. It devalues their freedoms by placing them in jeopardy of dealing with a stacked deck. It would seem our judicial system typically works against them. Justice for Tom Tom is a must.
Judicial Integrity
The judicial system lacks integrity. Statistics show the scales weigh heavier for our Native communities. How can we hope to serve up justice? When we accept “disproportionate sentencing and incarceration rates, inadequate defense bar funding, jurisdictional conflicts reducing tribal responsibility, lack of basic police protection for rural communities and unemployment of Alaska Natives in the judicial system” we permit failure in the justice system We can make all the celebrations of Juneteenth we want, but we fail to honor our Native population with unequal justice.
Scales of Justice
Exposing crimes in the justice system is all of our responsibility. We cannot turn a blind eye based on position. The scales of justice must be equal for judges like Margaret Murphy or justice is not what we are serving. Crimes are being committed by all those who allow the justice system to prevent investigation by grand jurors as is guaranteed by the Alaska State Constitution.
Exposing Corruption
Speaking of exposing crimes… GO SEE the movie “The Sound of Freedom.” Nothing is more moving than taking to heart that “God’s children are not for Sale.” Men like Tim Ballard and David Haeg need to be thanked for the work they do to expose corruption. I can honestly say David allows each of use to voice our opinions, but insists on integrity. I appreciate his morals and do my best to respect them. My job here is to follow the facts to help David expose corruption. The Alaska Grand Juror’s Association brings to light and educates people about the corruption in the judicial system. We all owe a responsibility to our community and state to see justice leveled equally. The movement for justice will amount to nothing if we do not protect the future. The future lies within our children. Sarah Short
