[Peace-discuss] Republican ballot

[C. G. Estabrook]

Sandra Ahten and Carl Estabrook are crossing over on Tuesday! Crossing
where, you ask? To the Republican ballot in tomorrow's primary --
principally to affect the outcome of the election for States Attorney in
Champaign County.

Incumbent John Piland is being challenged by Bruce Ratcliffe. Many people
familiar with the recent activities of the prosecutor's office think that
unseating Piland would be a step toward justice. (See, e.g.,
<www.dailyillini.com/dec03/dec05/news/stories/news_story02.shtml>.)

John Piland is accused of using the local judicial system against those at
the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid. It is unfortunately easy for a
prosecutor to "overcharge."  If people who steal sandwiches or cigarettes
are charged with felony burglary -- often several counts -- they will be
more likely to take a plea-bargain because they're facing several years in
prison on each count. A plea-bargain means a guilty plea, and the
prosecutor has another notch in his belt.

Questions of discriminatory prosecution by Piland's office have made the
news -- remarkable indulgence seems to have been shown to basketball
players and a white school dean who abused African-American boys.  But
exaggeration in the other direction -- oppressive practice against those
at the bottom -- is discussed among those familiar with the situation.
Even the conservative News-Gazette endorsed Democrat Steve Holtz against
Piland in the last election.

As president of the Illinois States Attorneys' Association, John Piland
sought to challenge Governor Ryan's rejection of Illinois' horrible system
of capital punishment to the point of amending the state constitution.

Bruce Ratcliffe is a moderate Republican, well respected by other lawyers.
Sandra has recorded an interview with Urbana lawyer Bob Finch, who
describes himself as an independent voter and supports Ratcliffe. So do
we. This could be a close race. Your vote could make a big difference in
the lives of the people of Champaign County in this local election.

You can hear the interview tonight at 5:30pm on WEFT (90.1 FM) or anytime
at <www.ucimc.org>.

(Some of our friends have objected to our plans on the grounds that some
Democratic races are important, especially that for senator.  It is no
accident that we have an election system that entrenches two established
parties and makes it difficult for people to vote for what they want.  
But under that system, prudential choices are necessary.  In regard to the
Senate seat, for example, a vote in Champaign county against Ryan in the
Republican primary may be as useful as a vote for Obama in the Democratic,
given the importance of the States Attorney race.)

We'd be happy to receive your comments.

--Sandra Ahten <spiritofsandra at hotmail.com>
--Carl Estabrook <cge at shout.net>