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Voices from Benton Harbor

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Protest outside the courthouse where Rev. Pinkney was denied bail pending his appeal on phony vote fraud convictions. PHOTO/SANDY REID, PEOPLE’S TRIBUNE
Protest outside the courthouse where Rev. Pinkney was denied bail pending his appeal on phony vote fraud convictions.
PHOTO/SANDY REID, PEOPLE’S TRIBUNE

The quotes below from Benton Harbor residents, and those in previous editions of the People’s Tribune, show that, despite the government’s attempt to make it appear that Rev. Edward Pinkney was the sole voice for change in Benton Habor, there is a movement against corporate power growing in the town. Many participants are deeply concerned about the railroading of Rev. Pinkney for his leadership. They continue to fight for him and for their city. — The People’s Tribune
“Several young men’s lives have been lost here.  The last person they were seen talking to was a policemen. They ended up finding their body later. It’s a dark cloud over Benton Harbor. The mayor’s popularity is down to the dogs as far as the community is concerned. But corporations and all these big wigs supported all of his elections. They had to buy him his term as mayor. Every Commissioner in there votes one way and he votes the opposite because he’s all for corporations, he’s been paid. Corruption is at the top. Large corporations are sucking the life out of the little people in Benton Harbor.”  —Emma Kinnard, Benton Harbor
“Benton Harbor Commissioner Robert Wooley has been charged with theft of over $150,000 from the North Berrien Senior Center and about $50,000 from the North Berrien County Fire Department.Sheriff Paul Bailey arrested him because they wanted to handle him nicely—no SWAT Team like they used for Rev. Pinkney.It was the same judge Rev. Pinkney had, Judge Schrock. Wooley was released and let out on bond. There was no media coverage of this, at all. The media, every chance they got, tried to slaughter Rev. Pinkney I am trying to get people to come up to the courthouse and assemble for these things because we have to speak out. There is too much unevenness of a balance in the justice here. There is no justice.” — Patti Heinz, Benton Harbor
“It’s time to wake up. The world is in crisis. Our democracy is being snatched from under us. Our political prisoners are being attacked. Wake Up. Selma didn’t die. It’s still alive in Berrien County, Michigan.” — Dorothy Pinkney, Benton Harbor
Join People’s Tribune Reading Groups. Discuss articles about the fight against corporate power and for a new society. Call 800-691-6888 or email info@peoplestribune.org
Free Pinkney! Contact the Central Coordinating Committee for the Freeing Of Rev. Edward Pinkney at pinkneycentral.weebly.com for more information on the struggle and the ways you can assist.

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The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

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