Who next could take up Jackson water system takeover fight now that Sen. David Parker is leaving state Senate
Subscribe to the Clarion Ledger
If you are not a subscriber, consider subscribing now. You will also get access to the Clarion Ledger’s E-Edition, the electronic replica of the print publication along with print archives. The E-edition is also available on our app.
USA Today Network
- Mississippi’s Attorney General is awaiting a judge’s ruling on damages owed by China related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Experts suggest such lawsuits may strain US-China relations rather than yield substantial financial gains for states.
- The departure of State Senator David Parker raises questions about the future legislative direction regarding Jackson’s water system.
- While a House task force exists to address Jackson’s issues, there are currently no plans to interfere with the federally appointed JXN Water management.
Mississippi attorney general vs China
The state Attorney General’s Office is still waiting for a federal judge to determine how much the People’s Republic of China should pay the state after failing to show up to court.
That timeline could prove irrelevant. For even when the judge hands down the order awarding the state damages related to what the attorney general has said is China’s role in hiding information about the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely the People’s Republic of China will cough anything up.
According to one political expert, the lawsuit and others like it could prove more harmful to the United States’ working relationship with the People’s Republic of China than fruitful for states seeking damages.
“Those of us in the political science and law business call this activity para-diplomacy, and basically what that’s referring to is when you have sub-national governments like states that are engaging in this foreign policy, either through the courts or through negotiations and agreements with other countries,” said Paul Nolette, an associate professor of political science and director of the Les Aspin Center for Government at Marquette University. “It complicates the picture of diplomacy with the United States’ largest geopolitical rival.”
Historically, after World War II and even the 9/11 terror attacks, individuals in federal court brought lawsuits against foreign nations when they alleged specific or personal damages.
“It’s getting a bit more attenuated in terms of the injury that, say, Mississippi or Missouri is in court against a nation like the PRC,” Nolette said.
Other states like Missouri were also successful in their suit against the People’s Republic of China, and it was awarded $24 billion. After the People’s Republic of China again cited the state had no jurisdiction to sue, the state’s attorney general said he would seize Chinese assets that amount to $24 billion throughout the nation if necessary.
If Mississippi were to be awarded damages and…
Read More: MS AG suing China for billions in damages
