Opinion
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Black's leniency request
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Published: June 30, 2009
Jim Black, the former state House speaker, would like to get out of prison early. But if that is to happen, he must earn his release by cooperating with federal prosecutors.
In 2007, Black, now 74, entered a federal prison in Pennsylvania after pleading guilty to corruption charges. He is set to be released in 2012 but his lawyers and political friends -- of both parties, no less -- are asking that he either be released early or sent to a prison closer to home.
Black's attorney says his health has deteriorated while his wife suffers from a serious illness.
Black is no sorrowful criminal who society is willing to look upon with pity. He is an educated man, an optometrist by profession. He had wealth, power and success. Despite all of these advantages, he betrayed his public office. No sob story related to him should make us feel merciful.
For most of this decade, Raleigh has been roiled by one political scandal after another. An agriculture commissioner, a congressman, a former U.S. attorney and Walkertown Rep. Michael Decker have all gone to prison. A federal grand jury is looking into the dealings of our former First Family. In all of this, Black is both the symbol of the corruption and the biggest prince to fall.
Out of all of this, the only good that came was reform of the state's ethics and lobbying laws. The evidence against Black revealed how much North Carolina needed that reform.
In 2007, federal prosecutors offered to seek a shorter prison sentence for Black if he would cooperate with other investigations. He spoke with them, but his information was not satisfactory.
Prosecutors think he knows a lot more and say it isn't too late for Black to bring forth good information, according to McClatchy Newspapers. If he does, they'll recommend an earlier release date.
The key to Black's future rests in his own hands. If he wants out early, then he should cooperate meaningfully. If he doesn't cooperate, then he can keep marking his calendar until March 2012.
Similarly, any talk of a transfer to a nearby prison should depend on the rules and Black's behavior. Federal prison authorities have criteria that decide when to grant such a request. If Black meets these criteria, then he should receive consideration. If he does not, then the fact that he has friends in high places should make no difference.
We're all for mercy, but mercy is not necessary in this case. Jim Black holds the keys to his release or his possible transfer in his own hands. He need only cooperate with prosecutors.
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