Justice by color in Upstate New York justice system
A Herald Journal examination finds Blacks convicted of misdemeanors and felonies are jailed three times more often than whites for the same charges, while whites pay fines and get discharges three times more often. Blacks, though under 7 percent of Onondaga County, account for one in four arrests. race appears to influence sentencing in suburban and upstate courts, reflecting broader national patterns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
New York State
Syracuse
Herald-Journal
Onondaga County
Upstate New York
Upstate
New York
Skin color versus crime in punishment debates nationwide
The piece argues color and money influence criminal justice outcomes more than crime alone. It cites views that bias rests with law enforcement and judges, notes the role of wealth in legal leverage, and calls for case by case scrutiny to address perceived hypocrisy in the system. District Attorney Richard Hennessy urges examining each case to ensure fairness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richard Hennessy
Contras Brunei donation tale highlights cash flow gaps
A critique of Iran Contra era schemes notes a $10 million Brunei donation to the Contras ending in a Swiss account, then deposited in certificates of deposit. It earned about a quarter million in interest before withdrawal, underscoring perceived opportunism and lax oversight at high levels. The piece questions accountability among White House insiders and political allies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iran
Brunei
Nicaragua
Sen
Daniel Inouye
Hill Street Blues Wrap Delights Loyal Fans
A local reflection on Hill Street Blues ends its run with appreciation for the show’s quality TV entertainment. The writer notes the shift from Thursday to Tuesday and laments the loss of a standout program while contrasting it with Dallas and Dynasty as less inspired fare.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Buntz
Lucy
Joe Coffey
Dallas
Dynasty
Press duty to scrutinize public figures’ private lives questioned
A reader urges The Herald Journal to expand coverage beyond gossip, urging ongoing scrutiny of local politicians. The letter argues editors should investigate economic ventures, ethics, patronage, contract procedures, and personal integrity when these affect public trust.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald Journal
Walkers thank Herald-Journal for Save the County coverage
Walkers thank the Herald Journal for covering Save the County Tac land preservation work and the Walk to Save the County on May 2. Pledges exceed 16000 dollars. thanks go to students teachers sponsors parents volunteers and REACT members for aiding four safe routes at Onondaga Lake Park Green Lakes State Park Baltimore Woods and Heiberg Memorial Forest. Save the County has preserved over 600 acres in Onondaga County.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Save the County
Tac
The
Herald-Journal
Green Lakes State Park
Onondaga Lake Park
Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Heiberg Memorial Forest
Onondaga County
Comment on Hart coverage hopes for GOP victory
A reader notes that Gary Hart news could aid Republicans in winning the next presidency and expresses approval of a GOP clean up of what they see as chaos left by President Reagan. The remark questions why any Democrat would want to inherit such a situation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gary Hart
Republians
Reagan
Associated Press
Joyce A. Venezia
WLS
Herb Morrison
Hindenburg
Morrison
Charlie
William B. Knowlton
Liverpool
Notting ham High coach Constantino remembered
A Syracuse reader recalls Nottingham High School physical education teacher and coach George Constantino, describing him as a strict disciplined influence who pushed students to excel in track and gym classes. The letter honors his impact and mourns his passing during a gym session.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Constantino
Nottingham High School
Nottingham
Constantino
H.W. Smith
Cr. Howard Simon
M.D
Syracuse
Fire Rescue Thank Syracuse Fire Department Residents Say
Residents thank the Syracuse Fire Department for a prompt response to a basement fire at their apartment building on April 29 indicating gratitude and relief.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
American Red Cross Disaster
Grant Village
Helen
Wallace Garvey
Syracuse
Syracuse Fire Department
Parrs Courage in Parargate Debates in Syracuse
In Syracuse debates arise over Parrs Parargate with talk of hard evidence needed to expose bribery and political extortion in the Onondaga Legislature. Critics question ethics of taped conversations while arguing Republican Party shenanigans are more troubling.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rudy
Rudy Parr
Onondaga County
Republican Party
Parr
Asi
William and
Molly Jones
Syracuse
Readers urged to send unsigned letters for publication
The Herald Journal and Herald American invite readers to submit brief letters on public issues, signed letters preferred though withholding of identity is possible for compelling reasons. The paper reserves space and may edit for length while preserving the writer’s point of view.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald-Journal
Herald American
Also Mentioned on This Page
Syracuse Herald-Journal
Arthur Jenkins
First Vssue
Herald
Herald Company
Post
Choton Square
N.Y
Stephen Rogers
Timothy D. Buon
Donald P. Pickard
Stephen A. Rogers
Robert T. Hennessey
R. Gary Kruger
Richard Pryor
Pryor
White House
Tran
Audi Arabia
Honduras
Oliver North
Richard Secord
Hill Street
Trova Dor
IAK
United States Supreme Court
Rotary Club
California
Rotary
Exchange Clubs of America
Exchange
Bette
William C. Woptee
National Exchange Club
Toledt
West Genesee
Marilyn J
Smity Warner
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