This Florida Legislative session will feature another confrontation between a sacrosanct constitutional amendment–and common sense. But, no, this one has nothing to do with the Second Amendment and the Marion Hammer fan club.
This is about the First Amendment and a bill (HB 111) designed to break the so-called “no-snitch” culture that prevails in too many black communities. State lawmakers want to protect murder witnesses by shielding their identities in public records for two years after the crime. The public-records exemption would address the all-too-prevalent “no-snitch” mindset that discourages witnesses from cooperating with police primarily because of intimidation from the murderers. It’s a vicious cycle.
Among those backing the proposed legislation: Florida Police Chiefs and county sheriffs. The opponent: the First Amendment Foundation, which advocates for open government.
This is as baffling as it is frustrating. The public good of open records is beyond question. But not doing enough to help break the cycle of inner city murder begs the question of priorities. Protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system should not be at cross purposes with a common-sense measure that could literally save lives.
This should be a no-brainer, unless it’s being deliberated by the brainless. A similar bill was filed last year but stalled in both chambers.
One other point. Before there are witnesses, there have to be murderers. That’s the overriding problem–not a “snitch culture.” Perhaps “Black Lives Matter” can also get involved.