Reason First: Will Aljermiah “Nuke” Mack’s Appeal be Approved?

Racketeering and drug trafficking in and of themselves should (get this) not be illegal. At least the drug dealing. But if such activities lead to burglaries, rape, murder or other crimes that violate individual rights, then they should be separated. This segregation of different types of “crimes” is crucial to pinpoint what is legal but immoral and what is against the law and also immoral.

Aljermiah “Nuke” Mack received a nearly twenty year sentence for the aforementioned racket and drug deals in which he involved himself. Is this just? Now, there is no mention that he personally stole, raped, or committed homicides. As the law stands now, yes he should have been locked up for his “crimes.” But that is not what makes it right. His actions should’ve been seen as only unethical to be part of an organization not sanctioned by the government. Because that’s what it is. Because of the drug Prohibition, law enforcement are forced to make arrests of people like Mack because those are the laws of the land. It makes zero sense and is completely immoral for the State to shake its fist and slap cuffs on wrists of individuals who are not engaged in the violation of someone else’s rights. Drug dealing is evil, despicable, and low-down and dirty. But the government’s role should only be in defending citizens from people who use drugs and then go on shooting sprees, get behind the wheel or controller of a vehicle or aircraft, or plan to do harm to children because of drug use. That’s it. That goes for surgeon general warnings that are placed on currently legal substances like nicotine products. And the drugs shouldn’t be taxed in any way, either.

As far as racketeering is concerned, once the illegality of drugs is eliminated, then there would be no anarchy known as racketeering. Gangs and other criminal organizations would dissolve. Mob bosses, cartel kingpins, and all of their underlings would be impelled to find new avenues on the legal playing field.

Mack is only a convicted felon because of association. His gang, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, is associated with kidnapping and other vicious acts. As a result of this connection to actual criminals, the cold hand of justice slapped across his face. And for what? Because the government finds the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of substances to be abhorrent? Or that an organization that linked Mack to its enterprise represented him as an individual? If he didn’t commit any real crimes, then his current appeal should go through unchallenged. Yes, he has appealed his case. While he is on lockdown, he should consider earning credits toward a degree, possibly in business. With his knowledge of how enterprises get their structuring, he should be able to apply what he learned while being in a gang to legal, rational pursuits.

Mack’s fight should be in the courtroom to free every drug offender who never violated someone else’s rights. This appeal, if it is granted, should spur Mack to consider being a captain of industry or a motivational speaker or both. He is but one example of someone trapped in the system who deserves the light of freedom.

Mack should be able to argue that gangs, if applied correctly, could be like the military. Or better yet, those youngsters who flirt with the idea of joining a gang should think about joining the United States Armed Forces. He could display that gangs, although glamorized by rap artists and others represent jail or an early death.

The appeal should represent a turning point in the way that gang members receive sentences because of their affiliation. Mack still has a chance at redemption.