Kamala Harris’ track record as the state attorney general of California raises concerns about her potential actions on a national level. During her tenure, she refused to take a clear stance on two significant ballot initiatives that have shaped modern California. However, her office did write favorable descriptions for both propositions, potentially aiding their passage. One of these initiatives, Proposition 47, downgraded felony thefts to misdemeanors if the stolen property was valued at less than $950. Critics argue that this has led to an increase in binge shoplifting, forcing retailers to take drastic measures such as locking up inventory or even closing stores due to constant looting.
Another controversial initiative, Proposition 57, allowed for the early parole of certain inmates to reduce prison population. This has resulted in the release of violent offenders back into society after serving only half of their sentences. Disturbingly, there have been cases where individuals released under Prop. 57 have gone on to commit serious crimes. For example, Smiley Martin, released early under the law, was later arrested in connection with a mass shooting in Sacramento. Similarly, Aariel Maynor was released thanks to Prop. 57 and was later arrested for murder, receiving a minimum sentence of 150 years in prison.
Harris’ record as the San Francisco district attorney also raises concerns. Her office was poorly organized, and a crime lab scandal occurred under her watch, which almost derailed her attorney general campaign in 2010. The scandal involved tainted testimony from one of their lab technicians, and defense attorneys were not informed about it. As a result, around 1,500 drug-related cases had to be dismissed. This mismanagement continued throughout her career and reportedly even affected her time as vice president.
Harris’s approach to criminal justice has been inconsistent, making it difficult to classify her as either a progressive prosecutor or a drug warrior. During her tenure as attorney general, nearly 2,000 offenders charged with marijuana and hashish offenses were incarcerated. Additionally, as a district attorney, she waged a war on truancy, even threatening to prosecute parents for their children’s absences. However, she later expressed regret for her zealousness in this area.
Harris’s actions seem to prioritize political gain over the law. She has presented herself as a progressive prosecutor at times, but her record suggests she is more of a policy carpetbagger who follows political trends. Her terms as district attorney and attorney general served as stepping stones for her political career, and it is clear that she wants to move on from those positions, hoping that her performance will be overshadowed by her social justice crusades.
Despite this, Harris has not hesitated to use her past as a prosecutor to criticize former President Donald Trump, highlighting her ability to adapt and play the right role at the right time for political advantage. However, this chameleon-like behavior raises concerns about her true convictions and whether she will act in the best interest of the country.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s record in California raises concerns about how she would govern on a national level. Her support for initiatives that have led to increased crime and her inconsistent approach to criminal justice highlight a lack of clear principles. It is essential to carefully evaluate her record and consider the potential consequences of her policies before placing trust in her leadership.
