Harris County District Attorney Democratic Candidate Sean Teare did not mince words as he went after current DA, Kim Ogg, for dereliction of her duty and poor stewardship of the position.
Norman Solomon discusses never-ending wars.
Sean Teare’s run against Kim Ogg for Harris County DA is both timely and pertinent. The District Attorney’s office holds immense power; it can affect the fabric of civil liberties and social justice in tangible ways. Teare’s criticism of Ogg’s “win-loss” perspective illuminates a deeply flawed understanding of justice that is more concerned with scores than societal good. He argues that justice isn’t merely about convictions but doing the right thing.
In this clip:
- Sean Teare, a candidate for Harris County Democratic DA, aims to replace current DA Kim Ogg. Teare has 11 years of experience in the Harris County District Attorney’s office, including six years as a division supervisor. He argues that the current office is not serving justice, losing good prosecutors, and treating victims and defendants unfairly.
- Teare criticizes Ogg’s approach, accusing her of using the office for political retribution and personal vendettas. He believes that her management style has led to a backlog in cases and is having deadly effects inside the jail due to delays in case resolution.
- Teare is particularly critical of Ogg’s approach to voting rights, accusing her of stifling votes and catering to right-wing conspiracies. He questions her alignment with Democratic values, especially after she opened investigations that could potentially discourage voting in a historically blue county.
- On bail reform, Teare finds the current system antiquated and calls for changes that don’t tie freedom to monetary sums. He believes in a more equitable system that also doesn’t keep people in jail for extended periods for non-violent offenses.
- Teare also plans to reform police interactions, especially during traffic stops and in dealing with narcotics charges. He aims to work closely with activists and the existing progressive leadership in Harris County to create a more empathetic and just legal system.
Teare’s point about the dangerous implications for voting rights under Ogg’s tenure stands out. When a Democratic DA in a predominantly blue county is implicated in what could be viewed as voter suppression, it sets off alarm bells for anyone committed to progressive ideals.
On bail reform, Teare articulates a vision that resonates with many progressive activists who argue for a more equitable system that doesn’t criminalize poverty. Organizations like the ACLU have long campaigned against cash bail systems that disproportionately affect low-income individuals.
Teare’s emphasis on community policing and an overhaul of narcotics charges aligns with the progressive agenda for police reform. His focus on collaboration with activists signals a shift towards a more inclusive form of governance. As we know, movements like Black Lives Matter have emphasized the need for DA offices to be accountable to the communities they serve.
Sean Teare’s candidacy symbolizes a turn towards a more progressive, community-oriented vision for the Harris County DA’s office—one that aligns with the core principles of equity, justice, and democracy. If he follows through on these promises, he could set a standard for what progressive prosecution can look like in America.
