"The Chicago Police Department has routinely using excessive force, a
practice that particularly affects African-Americans and Latinos, the
Justice Department said.
“The systems and policies that fail ordinary citizens also fail the vast
majority of Chicago Police Department officers who risk their lives every
day to serve and protect the people of Chicago,” said Attorney General
Loretta E. Lynch, who had raced to complete the investigation before the
end of President Obama’s term."
Chicago cops and Minneapolis cops ride together in a motorcycle "club"
called City Heat. They wear Confederate flags and Iron Crosses.
The fact that Chief Harteau and Mayor Hodges have not felt the need to
fully investigate police conduct and procedures in the deaths of Jamar
Clark and Terrance Franklin means they condone the behaviors of some
members of the MPD that put young Black, Hispanic and Muslim members of our
community at risk.
This hurts all of us: the young victims; the communities they come from;
neighborhoods that do not get the good police protection they are paying
for; and the good police officers who are tainted by the thumpers in their
midst.
This year we must hold our candidates for Mayor accountable. Do they see a
problem? What's their solution?
Ed Felien
Powderhorn