Kaine on Defensive Over Speeding Ticket Obsession

Michael Paul Williams had an excellent column in yesterday's RTD and now Chris Dovi of Style Weekly has put up a very interesting story as well.

Comments

[Phil Chroniger]

While I agree that Frank should have his voting rights given back to him...the fact that everyone is jumping on the "Kaine is a racist" bandwagon is a bit over-the-top and a lame attempt at sensationalist journalism.

Instead of focusing on the actual issue as it affects all felons, the emphasis seems to be on the fact that there is a higher percentage of blacks in the state's felon population than in the state population as a whole.

It's intellectually dishonest to mix apples and oranges, then call them grapefruits.

[Tribbett = Très Bête]

It's such a racist plot that forced these felons to commit all these felonies!

[Martin Lomasney]

This situation is a sad residue of Virginia's racist past. McKaine and his staff's reaction is lame and inexcusable for a Democrat. He's just completely tone-deaf. Which is why his 4 years were such a total failure. We can't get rid of his sorry useless glutius maximus fast enough.

[TJDavis]

When we talk about "restoration of voting rights", we are really talking about restoration of civil rights to convicted felons, which includes but is not limited to voting, and bearing arms. I find it very interesting that the leftists on this blog are up in arms about restoring voting rights to a non-violent felon but have never mentioned the restoration of second amendment rights to a non-violent felon. After all, without the right to bear arms, NONE of us would have the right to vote.

[DanielK]

The only reason why Ben referenced that article is because his name was in it. I am wondering how both Michael Williams and Ben had the same story magically? Hell, I would think someone leaked the story to Ben before the RTD article could get out. This isn't a scandal even though a lot of people want it to be. It also isn't racist for Kaine to use the criteria of counting traffic infractions because he is applying it equally to everyone white, black, hispanic, etc.

Lastly, no where in any of these articles does Kaine appear on the defensive but I guess I'm just missing something.

[Not Larry Sabato]

Actually Daniel (and you are close to getting banned here)- I called Michael to give him a heads up since he had been covering the voting rights issue for many years more closely than any other Virginia journalist.

[Phil Chroniger]

DanielK makes one good point, Ben...where, in any of these articles, is Kaine "on the defensive".

In fact, his reaction to any of this (if there is one) hasn't been reported on at all. So saying he is on the defensive is speculation and most likely wishful thinking on your part, Ben. I doubt Tim Kaine actually cares at this point.

[Gretchen Laskas]

I'm frustrated with the Kaine policy (which I admit is totally within his rights as governor, but I still don't like it). But calling Kaine a racist? No, I don't agree.

[Spock]

I am betting Kaine is not a racist.

BUT, I am also betting that if the person in question was white he would have gotten better results.

[kelley in virginia]

spock: you are probably right: Kaine is probably not a racist (& not just because he is a Dem). BUT, if the person in question were white, there would be no press/media/blog coverage.

[change]

Is the quy in question black?

No matter, I suggest that if the guy in question knew how drive this would not be an issue.

Also, if Kaine granted the restoration of these rights to so many felons, and the vast majority of felons are black, would it not follow that the vast majority of those who received restoration were black and thereby absolve Kaine of any racist charge??? (i am not a Kaine defender).

Finally, although I often disagree with DK, I don't think he has been over the top on this issue, nor should he be threatened with banning. That seems a bit petty.

All done with this issue.

[Spock]

Kelley!!

How are your holidays???

I disagree with you, I do think it would still be a story because the situtation in itself is absurd.

But, I do wonder if this man was white and lots of $ for a pricy lawyer would he be in this situation?

[Spock]

TJDavis- I am probably one of the more leftist posters on here and I have stated over and over that I agree that nonviolent felons should have their 2nd amendment rights restored with their rights to vote.

But, I also don't believe that nonviolent crimes should be considered felonies.

[DanielK]

Frank is white so I'm not sure why the racial issue is involved here. Is it related in an overall sense, yes but here absolutely not. If anything Ben just proved that Kaine is being anything BUT racist and being fair in applying his policy whether you agree with it or not. Personally, I believe when people throw out the "racist" argument they have run out of arguments for or against their position. The rational and intelligent way Kaine could be considered a racist would be if he restored the rights of Frank, for example but not for a felon who was black with the same traffic offenses.

I seriously doubt that Tim Kaine is going change his policy and restore the rights of all felons prior to his leaving office. If he wanted to do something about it he would have done so already just like the legislature or even the citizens by getting this on the ballot to amendment the constitution. It hasn't been done and I doubt it will be for a while. It's not me being a jerk or insensitive but it's the truth and often times it's difficult to swallow.

Spock, if you get a crappy lawyer it doesn't matter if your black or white you are not going to get a good result.

Finally, if you want to ban me then so be it! I have not said anything wrong or offense to anyone or called anyone an "asshole". I think I've articulated my points logically and accurately and just because I do not agree with most people (to include most of those in my own party) then oh well, too bad so sad.

[DanielK]

Spock, if you don't believe non-violent crimes should be felonies then technically the repeat offense drunk driver (4th within 10 years) or embezzling millions of dollars and potentially ruining businesses or organizations shouldn't be treated harshly? Bribery is a "non-violent" offense but severely impacts our society but according to your train of thought it's not a big deal.

[Spock]

So, DK, if you're poor to hell with you and your rights?

You don't deserve voting rights and rights to a firearm because you don't have the cash for a good lawyer?

I cannot believe you are a Dem, honestly, WTF?

You know, it would be great if we had people on our side in LE in NOVA, in DC we have a few.

It's a shame, we can really use a few badges with a heart and soul.

[anon]

Tim Kaine is the only Governor of Virginia who represented a convicted felon as an attorney, for free, and at the expense of other time he could have billed and earned and collected to feed his family.

Cry me a crocodile tear river about Kaine's refusal to restore the voting rights of a guy who was convicted of burglary because he can't seem to follow the speeding laws either (how many times was he convicted for speeding in a few years?)

I'm glad Kaine stood up to you phony bullshit.

[Phil Chroniger]

FYI, Spock...Frank IS white, and HE'S crying racism.

[Wren Jackson]

Spock -
There are a lot of non-violent crimes that should be felonies: embezzlement, bribery (as mentioned above) but also grand larceny, grand theft auto, etc.
What about someone who dumps thousands of gallons of toxic waste into a river, or someone running an illegal gambling, prostitution or drug-dealing operation?

[Barry from DC]

You like this article because it name drops your blog in it.

[kelley in virginia]

spock, back to your good lawyer point.

out here in the country, the good & bad lawyers all charge close to the same amount. and many good lawyers are on the court appt'd list. in fact, most lawyers out here in the hinterland have to do court appt'd work when they first start out so they don't starve.

as someone from Lunenburg county, would I go to Richmond & get a high-dollar lawyer for anything? nope. we have tremendous criminal defense attys here in Lunenburg & in Nottoway counties.

[Perry Mason]

kelley, your high regard for the legal community in Lunenburg is heartwarming indeed. But if you don't think people with money can buy a better outcome from the legal system than what others routinely receive you are very naive.

[Spock]

Wren- there is no reason for gambling, drugs and prostitution to be illegal.

The legal drugs we have now are just as bad if not worse than the illegal ones.

Theft, larceny and embezzlement should be worked off and paid back.

Anyone who damages the environment should be forced to clean it up.

But as far as classifications and incarcerations, the classification of felony should be used for those who are actually a harm to society.

Someone taking your car or a sweater from a store is not nice, but it doesn't physically "harm" anyone.

That person should be responsible for their debt, but to classify them and lock them up next to a serial killer doesn't make any sense.

Assault should be considered a greater crime than MJ possession, which shouldn't be a crime at all.

We are creating a nation of criminals because the laws have gotten out of hand, the LE has too much power and is out of hand and the courts and their costs have gotten out of hand.

There is no reason why someone who was caught with a bag of MJ or took an over priced scarf from some bougie shop can't vote.

All this is accomplishing is the creation of a criminal class, which goes against the goals of a "progressive" society.

But, I keep forgetting, it's not about the goals for a progressive society anymore in the Democrat party, it's only about getting your party letter in an office.

Just take a look at some of the clowns calling themselves Dems these days, and no I am NOT one of them.

I would much rather take the label of communist or socialist, at least it has integrity.

Carry on....

[Cpt. James T. Kirk]

Well, of course you are not a Democrat Spock. Unless we have changed our election laws to allow Vulcans to vote I don't believe you can register.

Carry on.

[Spock]

lol!

[Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery Scott]

Captain, Mr. Spock is well equipped to vote with the right technologies. Our matter transference system makes that possible.

Montgomery Scott
Second Officer
USS Enterprise

[Hikaru Sulu]

I think Spock, Kirk, and Scotty are cuteeee.