"It seems we have an evolution problem. Not the single-celled organism versus creationism kind, but the disquieting kind that has us struggling with our sense of self and exactly who it is we are becoming.

The recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that a Humboldt County deputy district attorney rejected potential Native American jurors on the basis of race brings to light a topic we have refused to discuss in this state: Just how racist we really are.

The problem with California is we are all so convinced that the heart of liberalism and diversity beats here that we forget our history. We forget, and many people still have no idea, how many Native Americans died and/or lost their land in the creation of this state. We also wonder why some Native Americans have an aversion to law enforcement and the courts. All it takes to discover the answer is a simple trip back in time when Indian-white relations in Humboldt County, or this country for that matter, were (and I'm being very polite) somewhat tarnished. There remains a strong distrust of the judicial system, but we must remember why that distrust exists. The fact that a Native person actually wanted to serve on a jury and be part of the �mainstream system� of justice is rather remarkable. Too bad she didn't get the chance."

Get the Story:
Shaunna Oteka McCovey: Racism in California -- a covert reality (The Eureka Times-Standard 9/18)

Get the Decision:
Kessert v. Cambra (September 11, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Worth Dikeman - http://worthdikeman.org

Related Stories:
Prosecutor denies using race to keep Natives off jury (9/13)
9th Circuit blasts removal of Natives from jury pool (9/12)
Native women oppose district attorney candidate (05/23)