It's hard to say much about Jeff because he's a lawyer and his personal life is kinda ... well... colorful.
One thing is certain -- in the Tulia case -- he managed to correct a profound evil committed by a crooked cop and a county and state full of overzealous police, attorneys, and politicians.
I've spoken with Jeff a few times socially, once regarding the Tulia case. He explained to me how minorities, particularly black males, are treated differently in our legal system. His insights opened my eyes to a number of inequities unique in Texas law enforcement. Let's just say I now believe black males are not treated fairly in Texas courts. Jeff told me that if you're black and find yourself in court in Texas, your guilt or innocence are of little consequence. Research exists that backs up his statement. Per Capita, Black men in Texas end up in prison at a rate nearly seven times greater than whites, this can be compared with the nation average of about three to one. Sentences for blacks in Texas are longer as well, statistically about double the sentences given to white males for the same crimes.
The events in Tulia coincided roughly with the killing of Brian Deneke. Deneke's murderer, Justin Camp, (preppie, well groomed, white) had just been given probation for murdering Deneke (mohawk, piercings, tattoos) in the Western Plaza parking lot. Many of us in Amarillo were beginning to see the dark underbelly of panhandle justice. It was becoming clear to us that anyone outside the white bread upper middle class world would be dealt with harshly, while those protected by the white power elite could expect preferential treatment.
As things turned, thanks to Jeff's hard work, and the work of many others, Tom Coleman got what he deserved, though not before being awarded "Lawman of the Year" honors by then State Attorney (R)John Cornyn. We can only hope Rick Noriega manages to unseat Cornyn, a pompous fool who represents only a few wealthy people within his region. But I digress.
I have a lot of respect for Jeff Blackburn. He spent a lot of his own money and countless hours of time to set the Tulia situation right. I hope to see the movie soon.
though not before being awarded "Lawman of the Year" honors by then State Attorney (R)John Cornyn.
I didn't know this. Write a post about it; this needs to be widely repeated.
I went to high school with Tom Coleman. He was basically the village idiot in our small town. The truly astounding part of the whole Tulia mess is how anyone could listen to Tom Coleman (city officals, prosecutors, juries, etc.) for more that 30 seconds and NOT realize that he is a moron.
henry,
IMO, most people will believe anything that reinforces their biases. It takes conscious effort to ignore them, and even then we are not always successful.
by "them", I mean the biases.
It was my pleasure to finally meet and talk with Jeff Blackburn at OHMS sometime back by interrupting his dinner. Being much intoxicated I do not recall the entire conversation except that it covered my respect for his work, politics, Texas justice, and the moron H*nry’s recent observations about Blackburn and his efforts.
Unbeknownst to me at the time I was suffering from food poisoning, and a short while after Mr. Blackburn had said his adieus and I had signed off on my bill there was a sudden, unexpected eruption from my stomach. As I clamped my mouth shut with my hand nearby bystanders looked expectantly horrified. But I managed through sheer power of will not to hurl, and beat an immediate retreat to the restroom.
Mr. Blackburn may never know how close he came to pay back for a spilled beer, and another colorful story -- on his jacket.
I recommend the book by Nate Blakeslee,Tulia:Race,Cocaine and Corruption in a Small Texas Town. Seems like an objective and accurate account of what happened. Its also just a good read.
I look forward to seeing the documentary.
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