The Next Step on Anti-Lynching Bill

The next step on the anti-lynching resolution should be more than words, it should be back up by action in the Congress.

Talent wants federal unit to focus on civil rights killings

U.S. Sen. Jim Talent is calling for the creation of a Justice Department unit focused on unsolved civil rights era killings. [..]

Talent says both witnesses and suspects in such cases are aging. As they die, they take with them the last chance for justice.

"This would guarantee the attention necessary in these cold cases to learn the truth while the witnesses and the perpetrators are still around," Talent said. "And we would prosecute when possible."

Under Talent's plan, the Justice Department would coordinate with local and state authorities on old civil rights cases; an annual report to Congress would be made on the progress of investigations.

Talent hopes to introduce legislation creating the unit before the July 4 congressional recess.

"This isn't symbolic," Talent said. "This is the government trying to perform its law enforcement function."

I am leery about the motives behind Senator Talent call for a Justice Department unit focused on unsolved civil rights era killings, but Democrats in Congress should proposal something similar or support Senator Talent legislation.

This will put more heat on Senators who still can not support anti-lynching resolution. The Congress should be on the record if they support finding criminals and racist who committed terrorist acts against the American people.