By Cammie Maturin
The old adage, ” Old Habits Die Hard”, proves to be an enduring reality for every aspect of the governing body of Louisiana. Rather it concerns Corrections , Education, Healthcare, or the out of control budgetary issues, Louisiana leaders remain out of step with developing and or implementing data driven, cost effective, best practices that are proven methods which could halt the downward spiraling of our most valuable resources and institutions.
The most important part of the Preamble is, We the people! However, in order for us to form more perfect unions; we, the people, must take a proactive stand against any governing body, elected or appointed, who refuses to serve “The People ” and our liberty interests!
The passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 in 2009, which granted state sovereignty to the state of Louisiana, was thought to enhance this more “Perfect Union”. However, in truth it provided more power to our officials and eliminated a great deal of outside interference that’s not in tune with the very unique way Louisiana does everything!
True reform in Louisiana can’t begin at ground level in any respect! If we, the most impacted citizens of Louisiana, are to experience real reform, we must direct our focus and energy towards the removal of any individual or entity that doesn’t afford us the right to, or hinders us as a state from forming more perfect unions! The lifeblood and legacy of the status quo rests, rules, and abides here in Louisiana because; we, the people, permit it, or in some cases, are complicit in its historical tenure! Politics should never impede progress, or subvert the will of the people! There are no such political parties who’s bottom line matter more than that of the people! Here in Louisiana we seem to have gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable about being the worse in several very important categories. It isn’t a matter of competition between Louisiana and other neighboring states. It’s a matter of common decency, respect, integrity, trust, and a fundamental right for every citizen of Louisiana to push for changes that makes the quality of life better for everyone!
The reforms needed and being pushed in this Legislative session should receive bipartisan support from our legislators! We, the people, truly can’t afford to keep the status quo alive any longer! Now is the time to push back against District Attorneys like Pete Adams, who use political ties, victims, misleading statistics, and mass media airing of violent crimes to fight tooth and nail to maintain Mandatory Life Sentences! The perception of being smart on crime while protecting and maintaining the status quo isn’t what; we, the people, are interested in! If you expect more and want more from our legislators with respects to criminal justice reform, and solving our budget crisis, join the H.O.P.E. Foundation for a day at the Capitol on April 20th 2017. For more information on registration, transportation, and the agenda for the day, log onto hopefoundationlouisiana.Org. The time to get involved is NOW!!!!!
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu