Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 November 2004 — Page 3

FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 19, 2004

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

JULIA >■ Continued from Page 1 were prompted to arrange the event due to an increasing number of “rumors and calls” that have been made questioning Carson’s ability to fiilfill her responsibilities. “We really don’t understand what the big fuss is,” said State Senator Glenn Howard, a key organizer of the rally. “Senator Strom Thurmond had to be wheeled to the capital building several times, and no one had anything to say about that. Julia Carson has served the people of Indianapolis with decency and integrity for a long time, and we deserve an honest discussion about real issues.” In a statement sent to the Recorder on Tuesday Carson said she was humbled by both her reelection and the support she has received since then. “I’d like to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of warm support, expressions of concern for my well being and for their prayers,” she said. The issue of Carson’s health came to a head during this year’s campaign season after opponents and media outlets highlighted the fact that she missed nearly 40 percent of votes in Congress this year while undergoing (or resting after) medical treatment. Two days before voters went to the polls Carson, who underwent heart surgery eight months ago and suffers from diabetes,

was released from Methodist Hospital after dealing with the adverse affects of a flu shot. It was soon discovered she returned to the hospital after the election, but only to visit a friend. Andrew Homing, who Carson defeated for a fifth term in Congress, criticized Carson for missing so many votes during an intense candidate debate, which also featured Libertarian Barry Campbell. Homing later encouraged concerned voters to make a careful and informed choice between a “live Republican and a sick Democrat.” Carson supporters have scoffed at the notion that her opponents raised the issue because they are genuinely concerned about her welfare or service to local voters. Along with the rumors that Carson’s health would not allow her to return to Congress came talk of possible replacements for her. Although the rumors of replacing Carson are untrue, several names have surfaced in regards to who should replace her. The individuals’ whose names were brought up were done so only by speculation. The Democratic Party, nor Carson have entertained the idea of the congresswoman being replaced. “Congresswoman Carson serves us well. She should be able to continue to serve in peace. Until she declares that she is ready to

State Rep. Bill Crawford retire, the talk of replacing her and the speculation of who may run for her seat needs to stop,” Mays said unequivocally. Carson has emphasized that she would have never run for reelection if she couldn’t serve, and plans to stay in office as long as the Lord and the people of the 7 th District allow her to do so. ' “This week I’m back in Washington to continue work on the unfinished business of the 108 th Congress,” she said. “I hope that during this last session, we will be able to conclude the people’s business for this Congress in ways that will serve the nation well. I look forward to the challenges of the 109 th Congress beginning in Janu-

THREE Continued from Page 1

its law into effect during the 1990s is often times criticized for its extreme usage of the statute. A repeat felon, who has committed a crime, no matter how long ago the crime occurred on the third strike the offender may face additional time. Specifically, if a person is caught shoplifting and has had two prior shoplifting convictions then the offender may face 25 years to life in prison for the crime. Shoplifting in Cali-

fornia is classified as a felony petty prison population.” theft. Because of the harsh pun- The JPI is concerned with the ishment, laws are currently pend- cost to house repeat offenders, ing to amend the severe laws of The average cost to incarcerate three-strikes. an adult offender is $25,087 an“These laws have had a disas- nually with a $5 per day additrous effect on African Ameri- tional fee for food per prisoner, cans,” said Malik Russell, direc- “With well over 2 million inditor of communications for JPI. viduals now in America’s prisons The Justice Department report and jails, we have got to wonder showed that Black males between about the price we are paying for the ages of 25 to 29 make up 44 prisons as opposed to education, percent of the federal and state jobs and health care,” Schiraldi said.

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