zutopia

the times 03.20.07

i just read a gross editorial in the new york timesabout the indictment of the officers involved in the Sean Bell murder. (ROBERT LEUCI Only one thing is certain in the Sean Bell case: tragedy. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/opinion/20leuci.html?th&emc=th). while i'm assuming they wanted to represent a different perspective on the indictment, the editorial by the former nypd detective ('61-'81) is a horrible case of bad timing, insensitivity and irresponsible journalism (i am one of those that actually expect more from the times).

While Leuci calls shootings involving the police tragic - he does understand. having served with Volpe's father on the force he understands how in high tension circumstances one would shove a stick up a prisoner's ass, or when a tall African fitting the description of a serial rapist steps into a vestibule, reaches for his wallet, 41 shots are warranted.. and how when a young man (even if you went to the same high school and played on the same baseball team as him fifty years earlier) is out at a strip bar in Queens and one of his friends has been previously arrested for armed robbery, he may have caused the shooting by attempting to drive away when an undercover cop approaches.

tragic yet understandable disgusts me and shame on the times for printing such a view at a time like this - even in the editorials. They need to to have editorials about the lack of ethics and morals in the police department and academy. I don't care what color the cop is.. they are trained to fear and despise black men even if they are themselves... nuthin new 'black cop' (yes i tuck it in my sock blog -- i couldnt imagine such a position). the ease with which these men (i say men here because these cases only involve male officers) reach for their guns, fire, and continue to do so shows not only a lack of training in morality and ethics, but hostile situations, and marksmanship, yo. i used to live next to the academy on 20th and 2nd and hated when they used to get out, congregating in front of my window, and pushing past me in line at the korean market on the corner.. it wasn't a good beginning and these "tragic" endings happen much to frequently.

apologetic editorials about the pressures of being a cop that lack an actual apology for the 91 shots described and rape with a broom, mopstick (whatever it was), sicken me. i however am happy with the three indictments and if the two cops that were not indicted, did not fire their guns, than so be it. it is the guilty parties who must serve for these crimes against humanity and the black male citizens of new york (God bless you for stepping out your doors each morning and daring to drive a car, gasp!). however, the police department must also acknowledge this tragedy and if they wanna show some understanding the senior officer in their Queens precent should step down, if not Ray Kelly himself.

posted by z.a.k. @ 7:23 AM