Rev. Ed Bailey’s letter to the Sunday News regarding a recent court case is very troubling because of the dangerous attitude it reveals about the pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Church.
Bailey contends that because Judge Kelly Ballentine grew up in the ‘ward’, got her law degree and became a magisterial district judge that she was telling the truth. Apparently jurors listened to the Judge’s testimony and didn’t believe her.
The accused lived less than 100 feet from the Judge. Should the man, who has a Spanish name, automatically not be believed because of where he lives?
Bailey, without any logic to support the notion, concludes that “Women ought to be safe and believed, no matter the community they live in, their status of being single, and even their not “knowing their place.”
Apparently Bailey doesn’t understand that in the court, jurors are to set aside all biases including color, gender, societal status, etc… and determine who is telling the truth. That’s the way our great system works!
‘Judge’ Ballentine should appreciate and respect the system in her actions and words. However, as an experienced court-watcher, I have witnessed Judge Ballentine’s poor behavior in her own court. I went away shaking my head at her unprofessional tone and her non-judicial temperament.
According the newspaper, Judge Ballentine had to be physically removed from the courtroom while she was screaming at the jurors. If she had any sense of shame, she should resign. In absence of her resignation, the President Judge, who witnessed her disgraceful behavior, should publically punish her to send a message that her behavior is not tolerated.
As for Bailey, he needs to discontinue his biases and prejudices and learn to appreciate our judicial system that allows an accused to be found not guilty even if a judge accuses them!
Oh by the way, as a child I lived in the ‘ward’ and after surviving it? I view as a badge of honor, not something to overcome in my adult life!
Here is the complete letter:
A woman robbed
For 18 years I have enjoyed the privilege of being the pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Church in what was called “The Ward.”
Not only was the term demeaning, but the residents were reduced by inference and definition to persons of a lower status, not only economically but mentally and morally as well.
Subtly, it still exists. In spite of such biased thinking, I have taught, preached and cajoled others that “where you live is never as important as how you live.”
As an example, Kelly Ballentine, raised in this community, and who against all odds, is college-educated, a lawyer, and for the last six years a magisterial district judge.
Regardless, Judge Ballentine was a victim, robbed by a jury that totally misunderstood what it means for a woman who is a public figure to reveal her vulnerability and the details of an unwanted sexual encounter.
She was robbed by the newspaper article that made it newsworthy that the prosecutor shook hands with the defense attorney after the verdict, implying a professional agreement on the verdict. Robbed by the defense attorney … and … by the prosecutor.
Women ought to be safe and believed, no matter the community they live in, their status of being single, and even their not “knowing their place.” I will continue to teach, preach and cajole this community with the message of empowerment until a woman of respect can have her word believed above that of a criminal. Women in this community need to know they can find justice, and it not be “just us.”
–The Rev. Ed Bailey, Lancaster
