A few weeks ago many folks in New York City were in an uproar. First because a young man, who lives with his mom in Corona, Queens, is studying engineering at the New York City College of Technology, and has a work-study job was detained by law enforcement stemming from the purchase of a $349 Ferragamo belt at Barneys.… [Read more]
Stop and Frisk, the Aftermath
Earlier this week I had a conversation with a friend, a very conservative Republican, about the Stop and Frisk ruling. His comment to me was “I can’t understand how you and other liberals can applaud the ruling. Don’t you realize that you have condemned the youth you supposedly support to an uncertain future? Don’t you realize how many African-American and Latino youth are going to be killed because this ruling handcuffs the police and does not allow them to do their job?”
I’ve known this person for years and would be one of the first to say that he doesn’t have racist bone in his body.… [Read more]
Stop-and-Frisk Milestone Reached and it’s Nothing to be Proud Of
With approximately 34,500 uniformed officers and 51,000 employees overall – even more than the Federal Bureau of Investigation – the New York City Police Department is the largest police force in the country. It’s a powerful army in its own right and it has been expanding its global presence as it continues to fight the global war on terror.… [Read more]
The Battle Against Stop and Frisk
One rationale for continuing stop and frisk practices is that it is a viable, proactive and productive way for law enforcement to combat crime. Personally, I beg to differ; in my opinion it’s like using a sledgehammer on a nail. You may get the desired result but what else are you smashing?
That’s how I feel about “Stop and Frisk.” We are well aware of the controversy surrounding the stop and frisk practices in New York City.… [Read more]
Congressman Bobby Rush
Congressman Bobby Rush, without a hoodie — and not being escorted off the House of Representatives floor…… [Read more]