Written by: Sam Orlando
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - In an era where issues of racial and social justice are at the forefront of the national conversation, two high-profile cases have come under the spotlight at the same time, presenting a potent opportunity to evaluate the application of federal gun laws. The cases involve Deja Taylor, an African-American mother from Newport News, Virginia, and Hunter Biden, the white son of President Joe Biden. In January, Taylor's 6-year-old son brought a gun to school and accidentally shot his teacher, leading to Taylor being charged on two counts: the unlawful use of marijuana while possessing a firearm, and making false statements during the firearm purchase. The false statement Taylor allegedly made related to whether she used marijuana. Despite marijuana's legality in Virginia, it remains federally illegal, and its use can potentially lead to federal gun law violations. If convicted, Taylor may face a combined maximum sentence of 25 years in Federal Prison. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden, who admitted to using crack cocaine around the time he purchased a gun in 2018, is still under investigation for potential violations of the same federal gun law. Note that Biden admitted to the use of crack cocaine, and his investigation has been ongoing since 2018, for over FIVE years! His defense team has suggested they will challenge the constitutionality of this law if charges are eventually pressed. Both cases highlight the intersection of controlled substance use and gun ownership, raising pertinent questions about the role of race and social status in law enforcement. Racial disparities within the criminal justice system are widely acknowledged, with African Americans facing incarceration rates more than five times higher than white Americans, as reported by the NAACP. Additionally, African Americans and Hispanics, comprising approximately 32% of the population, account for 56% of incarcerated individuals.
President Biden, in his commitment to social and racial justice, issued executive orders on January 26, 2021, acknowledging the need to address systemic racism. In remarks delivered at the White House that evening, Biden said "I’m not promising we can end it tomorrow, but I promise you: We’re going to continue to make progress to eliminate systemic racism." The President went on to say "We have never fully lived up to the founding principles of this nation, to state the obvious, that all people are created equal and have a right to be treated equally throughout their lives. And it’s time to act now, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because if we do, we’ll all be better off for it."
However, when it comes to his son's criminal investigation, the question arises: would the President want his son treated the same as Deja Taylor, and if yes, why does a disparity continue to exist?
The contrasting treatment of these cases raises concerns about broader racial disparities within the U.S. criminal justice system. Taylor faces immediate federal charges and is expected to plead guilty, while Biden's team is preparing to challenge the constitutionality of the law. This discrepancy underscores the disparities in resources and legal options available to individuals within the justice system.
This analysis does not aim to pass judgment on either case but seeks to critically examine the application of federal gun laws in light of racial and social disparities. These cases provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about fairness, justice, and equality in law enforcement, contributing to a broader dialogue on the enforcement of our laws.
As President Biden strives to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal justice system, the question remains whether he can fulfill his promise and, if faced with the implications, ensure equal treatment for all individuals, even if it means sending his own son to federal prison?
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