In a message dated 11/23/00 9:03:26 PM Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< yes, it is definitely about time that we start challenging our
out-of-control - or perhaps too-much-in-control police department. i
think the FIVE KILLINGS IN THE PAST YEAR is a further manifestation of a
police department that is not held accountable to our elected civilian
government. >>
It is a priori that police in Minneapolis are not held accountable to
civilian government, given the absence of oversight by legislators. It stands
to reason that a congress that allows the trundleing of the most basic human
rights would do absolutely nothing against an armed agency.
It is even more astounding that a beguiled public will continuously hold onto
the reins of malfeasance, even in the face of arrogant disdain for the safety
and welfare of citizens exhibited by public officials to date. It may be the
case that more wide spread attention should be generated to awaken the
sensibilities of the general populace: atrocities are not reserved to
specific incidence and so we are all subject. Nor is this indignation limited
to the police, even though their acts are the more lethal.
An earlier post mentions redress of police conduct via city council. I submit
that their intervention would be minimal in scope and affect, even if they
were inclined to act. Such an initiative requires strong leadership at the
state level to mandate accountability through legislative effort, and due
process that holds police accountable for the loss of life in its
functioning. Contrary to some beliefs, this does not undermine the ability of
the police to protect the rights and lives of the citizenry; rather it sets
the tone for police response.
I've experienced the anxiety of facing an eneny under fire therefore I know
that proper training and experience teaches one to be more aware of the
response to a threat. So, when I hear the number of rounds expended in a
subject, I know it to be a rookie facing action for the first time, or the
calous response of an insensitive force "sending a message". Admittedly,
police forces face a formidable foe: well armed, and seemingly disposed to
dispersing the obstacle. In and of itself, that does not give license for
"termination with extreme prejudice". Any command that allows such action is
not fit to serve.
Robert Anderson
8th Ward
