More Crime, Less Punishment  

     by Kim Henderson

     Prosecutors in our 2,300-plus DA offices hold much power. Until recently, elections for DA offices were low-profile. Campaigns began to change in 2015 when outside money poured into Parish, La. George Soros tested his new philanthropic plan, funneling more than $400,000 into a district attorney election with no statewide significance. 

     The city is known for death penalty convictions. Soros wanted an anti-death penalty DA in the office. The gamble paid off. Soros and other liberals realized a relatively small amount of money could elevate cherry-picked candidates. 

     What began as a quest to unseat pro-death prosecutors quickly morphed into a much larger objective: overhauling a justice system "progressives" claim is warped by racism and needless imprisonment. 

     In 2019, a new prosecutor in Virginia pledged to not seek the death penalty, and promised he wouldn't oppose release for most criminal offenders. Author Zack Smith began hearing stories from victims' families. The prosecutor received $659,000 from Soros-backed groups.  

     Among crimes the DA would not prosecute > assaulting a schoolteacher - setting off a smoke bomb - prostitution - participating in a riot - resisting arrest - falsifying a police report - aiding in the escape of a prisoner - possessing and redistribution of certain drugs - and stealing goods valued at up to $1,000. 

Tomorrow: Can the rule of law survive?