Too often the Criminal Justice system is reserved for the colored and the poor. While occasionally a low level politician will be indicted for a crime or even serve prison time for particularly egregious corruption it’s uncommon, and not because politicians are law abiding ethical people who aren’t often tied up with the underworld and shady corporations.

Law enforcement should focus more on public corruption and the ethics of public officials. They shouldn’t fear politicians, and they shouldn’t give politicians a pass in fear of looking political or partisan. Indeed, it should be the job of the opposing party in law enforcement – District Attorneys and police officers to keep politicians accountable. Criminals including politicians should fear the police and ultimately the justice system.

There are those who say justice shouldn’t be political. A jail cell is not the place for the criminal justice system to lock up political opponents. I agree, innocent people who didn’t break the law shouldn’t be indicted. But fear of being political shouldn’t give police a reason to fear criminals.

The use of the justice system to lock up political opponents is a problem when the court system is of one side, when the charges are dubious and not substantiated by the evidence. But when facts and reality are on the side of the people then the government should seek to bring the accused to justice.

The first amendment is a key right in America and is the right of political participation. But when you open your mouth, step out into the limelight and into the press, you are choosing to bring attention to yourself and that includes raising attention of law enforcement. If you are living a life of crime, then don’t run for political office. Be quiet, keep a low profile. But if you are honest, hardworking and a good person the risk of bringing yourself police attention is quite low as they’re isn’t much to bring attention about.

The key to avoid the abuse of police power and the justice system is not to never prosecute law breaking politicians. It’s to ensure competitive elections and that the justice system is fair to all involved. It’s to ensure that the courts and government agencies aren’t dominated by one party but investigate all politicians engaged in wrong doing.