OurWeekly: Continued Engagement, Not Cowering, Is What We Need
By: Michael Bustamante
Recently, a so-called “journalist” wrote a lengthy blog post in her news space that ostensibly thought out loud about why Dr. Mark Ridley-Thomas was engaging in community events rather than cowering in prison like a good boy should as a result of having been found guilty on corruption charges. Clearly the blogger, and perhaps prosecutors, find it objectionable that Ridley-Thomas continues to focus on his appeal and his beloved community. Ironically, the so-called journalist questioned in her headline, “Why isn’t Mark Ridley-Thomas serving his sentence?”
To be clear, three criteria exist to secure bail pending appeal following a conviction in federal court: flight risk, public safety, and strong legal arguments against the verdict. To state the obvious: (1) MRT is not a flight risk. (2) MRT is not a threat to public safety. (3) MRT’s appeal is meritorious on eight distinct legal fronts - all clearly outlined in briefs that have been submitted to the Court of Appeals. Finally, these points were so irrefutable and non-controversial that the USAO did not put up a fight. Simply put: the blogger ignores these facts because she wanted to ignore them.
It would appear that the blogger’s legal education stopped at the word “legal.” While true that a jury found Ridley-Thomas guilty on seven of 19 counts brought against him, the court and prosecutors agreed that Ridley-Thomas deserved to be free on bail pending appeal. It seems that to some, “free” should be ok so long as you stay out of the public light and do some sort of self-imposed home confinement. Wrong!
Mark Ridley-Thomas has spent his 40-plus year career serving Los Angeles’ African American community. His history and accolades are too lengthy to enumerate on these pages. Suffice it to say that MRT’s impact on his community, Los Angeles as a whole, California, and the country are profound and have made a difference in the lives of millions of people. The hallmark of an effective public servant is the ability to “do good” without grabbing the microphone and reminding people of all the ‘things’ he or she has done. This sentiment is Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Building bridges, literally and figuratively, epitomizes Mark Ridley-Thomas. Improving the lives of others who suffer from mental illness, lack of access to health care, or living in blighted neighborhoods, that is Mark Ridley-Thomas. Standing up for those who need and deserve a voice, whether in the halls of power or at the ballot box, that is Mark Ridley-Thomas. Instead of ‘cowering in a corner’ as some would prefer, he continues the work he initiated more than four decades ago.
On his social media profile, we’ve seen him continue the work he started more than a decade ago to confront the homeless issue. He was at the Science Center to celebrate the Endeavor Space Shuttle, which he was involved in bringing to Los Angeles for us all to see and celebrate. We saw his posts around Juneteenth, calling attention to climate change and environmental justice and his continued involvement in youth-oriented activities, including the opening of the Russell Westbrook Academy for young kids.
Equally important was his participation and presence at a celebration for Tavis Smiley, who received word that he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his 60th birthday. Many, including Mayor Karen Bass, were there to join in the celebration and extraordinary honor.
Through these and countless other in-person activities, Mark Ridley-Thomas continues to lead by example selflessly. These are important times. His community and many others are at a crossroad. Speaking up and leading by example has always been Mark Ridley-Thomas’ hallmark. Now is certainly not the time to change course.
Mark Twain once said you should never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel. In this case, Ridley-Thomas and his community are on solid ground pointing out the truth and highlighting the innuendo by someone who’s got a teaspoon worth of ink and clearly a grudge against him.