If you have seen the three-part Netflix documentary titled, "The Pharmacist," you are familiar with the witness to the pharmacist's son's murder, a young black woman, a Ninth Ward resident, who is scared initially, to come forward and finger the perpetrator, as snitches are categorized among the lowest of neighborhood denizens--a turncoat, a Benedict Arnold--and God forbid--as someone who works with the po-lease (POLICE).
The same can be said on the other side of the spectrum of life in St. Tammany Parish, as conservative white people are equally reluctant to rat out their crooked civic and social counterparts who hide in plain sight, pretending to ensure and protect the public trust while making money off their positions. This corrupt system runs on patronage and loyalty to the machine; the larger, stabilizing force at work, surpassing even local history and tradition.
The successful work of CCST can be credited largely to brave men and women who have served and continue to serve as confidential informants, or CI's. These individuals are either victims of crimes or know someone that was a victim of a crime and is willing to bring forward information that lends to proof of criminality. In going on the record, the CI can sign a sworn, authored affidavit as well as by talking further with the media.
Just like in the hood, there is reprisal for speaking out--or for being a snitch--in country club circles, as well. The practice of snitching is frowned upon and is positively and negatively reinforced on the streets; as silence is the code that protects everyone--big and small.
Silence is the opposite of what CCST promotes. CCST puts forth information beneficial to public decision making and it works with law enforcement to investigate corrupt government officials, hoping to affect overall quality of life in the region, moving the experiment closer to good, more effective government.
Democracy translates into "people rule."
CCST continues to show civic and change-minded people the way to improve our continued plight against political corruption, the silent tax everyone pays.
Stand up. Be heard. It is your right...To fight for a better government.
Chris Warner
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