Category Archives: Human and Civil Rights

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15 acts of injustice that could lead America into another civil war

15 Acts of Injustice That Could Lead America Into Another Civil War

The Slaughterhouse of the Justice Systemoriginally published at: http://yourblackworld.net/2015/05/25/dr-samori-swygert-15-acts-of-injustice-that-could-lead-america-into-another-civil-war/

 

The law enforcement, justice system, and penal system have become a modern day slaughterhouse and cesspool of corruption.  It’s time to stop handling these tragic events and miscarriages of justice as isolated incidents.  Let’s connect these bones to a body of evidence.

The citizens are sick of this biased media that sculpts the national narrative, selectively reports and exploits issues that plays into the agenda of character assassination of African Americans.  The same media will dismiss, deny, ignore, and censor equal or worst atrocities and scenarios when done by White Americans, celebrities, coveted politicians, elite people of influence, and even our international allies.

  1. How long can we call this a system of justice a “right to due process” and a “right to a speedy trial”?  These quotes are hypocritically incongruent, because over 400 citizens are locked up in Rikers Island, NY for over two years without being convicted of a crime? Source: http://www.npr.org/2015/04/14/399641445/new-york-mayor-announces-plan-to-reduce-rikers-island-jail-population
  2. Why are 2,500 cases pending review of people imprisoned by faulty forensic hair samples that span well over 20 years?  The justice system has permanently confiscated the lives of individuals and destroyed potential families from faulty lab results. Incorrect specimens yield incorrect court testimonies from “forensic experts,” which resulted in wrongful convictions. Souce: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/fbi-overstated-forensic-hair-matches-in-nearly-all-criminal-trials-for-decades/2015/04/18/39c8d8c6-e515-11e4-b510-962fcfabc310_story.html
  3. How do we call this a system of justice, when we have “CASH for KIDS” judges?  Judges Mark Ciavarella and Mike Conahan in Wilkes-Barre, PA purposefully sentenced youth to correctional facilities for pay from a private prison owner. They earned $2.6 million in illegal kickbacks from the private prison owner. Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/23/pennsylvania.corrupt.judges/
  4. What kind of corrections are we expecting to see in correctional facilities? We have KKK members plotting to kill black inmates in Florida’s Department of Corrections.  We have hate groups that have infiltrated and infested the entire legal system.  This puts all people of color on American soil at risk right now.  However, we’re spending billions to “try and find terrorists overseas.” Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/04/02/three-kkk-members-who-worked-in-a-florida-prison-accused-of-plot-to-kill-inmate/
  5. Do we have law enforcement officers or an extortion ring going on nationally?  Civil asset forfeiture and highway interdiction have generated BILLIONS of dollars by confiscating personal property of citizens with claims of guilt on confiscated property.  Citizens aren’t being charged or convicted of crimes, but must spend thousands of dollars to fight their case to retrieve their property. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/holder-ends-seized-asset-sharing-process-that-split-billions-with-local-state-police/2015/01/16/0e7ca058-99d4-11e4-bcfb-059ec7a93ddc_story.html
  6. Are we American citizens or detainees in Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib prison?  The American citizenry can’t tell the difference because of Blacksites in Chicago like Homan Square.  This is where citizens are arrested and taken to a secret site to be interrogated, harassed, and physically assaulted.  They aren’t taken to central booking to be processed, finger printed, and held for court. Chicago must now pay over $5 Million in reparations to these victims.  Is this America that we’re living in?     Source: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/24/chicago-police-detain-americans-black-site
  7. Again…… Are we American citizens or foreign enemy combatants?  When cries and pleas against police brutality are ignored, and we’re only left to protest, we’re treated like foreign enemies.  Tax-paying citizens are met with: Tear gas, tanks, assault rifles, grenade launchers, bayonets, and other sophisticated/tactical high-caliber weaponry.  Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/18/politics/bayonets-police-white-house/
  8. What type of policing is going on when a whole Police Department is disbanded?  Jennings, MO had to disband a whole police department due to corruption charges.  What does that say about the number of arrests made, and people sentenced while under their administration? Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/darren-wilson-jennings-police-department_n_5704133.html
  9. What kind of predatory policing and booby trapped laws are we under? Police will arrest people for feeding the poor, Texas has devised a system of debtors prison for pay day loan defaults, police are arresting elementary school kids for temper tantrums, and we’re throwing men in jail for child support (like they can make money in jail and pay for court fees).  Source 1: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/texas-payday-lending_n_6355602.html Source 2: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/justice/georgia-student-handcuffed/ Source 3: http://6abc.com/news/man-may-be-jailed-for-not-paying-child-support-for-son-who-isnt-his/490355/
  10. Are we healing the sick or killing the sick?  How many stories do we have to see about an officer that has shot and killed individuals that are mentally ill?  The officers are informed of the mental status in the majority of the cases.  Family, friends, or neighbors typically call 911, but when police arrive, the person is almost executed immediately.  Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2999731/Chilling-moment-cops-shot-dead-mentally-disabled-man-wielding-screwdriver-caught-body-camera.html
  11. Are we meticulously scrutinizing and screening the moral integrity of the officers we employ?  We had an officer selling crack to inmates in New York.  We’ve seen the big case of Baltimore correctional officers supplying drugs to inmates in a prison drug ring.  The same female officers in Baltimore wound up pregnant by prison inmates.  Who are the criminals: Baltimore protestors or officers on the city payroll?Source 1: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/four-female-prison-guards-impregnated-by-same-inmate/ Source 2: http://nypost.com/2015/05/11/correction-officer-charged-with-dealing-crack-to-inmates/
  12. How do we swallow the phrase “protect and serve”? From 2012- April 2015, Maryland state records found that over 2,600 citizens arrested in Baltimore sustained injuries so severe that they required emergency medical attention before they could even be booked and processed. Maybe there’s a duplicitous definition of “protect.” Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/sun-investigates/bs-md-gray-jail-rejections-20150509-story.html#page=1
  13. What kind of fair, equitable, and non-biased policing can we expect from our officers?  We can talk about Montgomery County, Ohio, San Francisco, California, or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Nationwide, our officers are getting busted transmitting vitriolic, racist, and homophobic texts to fellow officers.  How does America expect us to feel safe?  Why do you think we’re paranoid and run at the sight of cops?  We don’t know the intentions behind their badge, and in their heart.  The trust is completely gone. Source 1: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/16/us/miami-prosecutor-reviews-cases-of-police-officers-who-sent-racist-emails.html?_r=0 Source 2: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2860975/I-hate-N-Police-officers-caught-exchanging-racist-texts-placed-administrative-leave-investigation-gets-carried-out.html Source 3: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/san-francisco-police-fire-racist-texts-31063267
  14. What kind of justice can we expect from the courts?  Time and time again, police are exonerated in the killing of unarmed black men.  We routinely witness the partnering and cozying of the District attorneys with the Police department.  The Police unions double down on their positions. They pressure the city mayors and media into a position of sympathy and guilt.  Evidence and jury activity is either completely sealed, or evidence is purposefully leaked to the media to compromise the case, sway public opinion, or taint potential jurors.
  15. Justice is truly blind right?  How can we expect any form of justice, even with the use of body cameras?  There are countless citizen videos that catch cops choking citizens to death and beating civilians. Cellphone, dashcam, and other surveillance footage routinely fail to find police guilty of anything.  We even have policy makers pushing legislation that restricts the release of body camera footage.  Individuals that record video end up harassed and incarcerated themselves, and the vilification of the deceased victim ensues. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/mayors-plan-to-shield-body-camera-footage-from-public-faces-objections/2015/05/06/94a891f6-f419-11e4-84a6-6d7c67c50db0_story.html

And again, not all police are bad, but the good ones need to speak up!

So what are we to do?  What are your thoughts?

Hit me on Twitter @docswagg06

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What does Ferguson, MO have in common with China?

Was Ferguson,….. America’s Tiananmen Square?

by Dr. Samori Swygert

America has historically been at odds with the political philosophy of communism. As a nation, the American government has either been at military odds or competition with Cuba, Russia, and China. However, like the sport of boxing, each fighter adapts to and adopts the style of their competitor if they fight long enough.

I would like to summate the fusion of the events in Ferguson, Missouri and the 1033 military surplus program with the American school system and local police, and China.

The last few weeks of American media has placed its onus on the “militarization” of the police departments and school districts. This was a byproduct from the fallout in Ferguson, Missouri.

American citizens were in shock when they saw military-grade weaponry being used against legal tax paying citizens. Questions began to surface about excessive force and the origins of such weaponry.

Time progressed and news sources began to furnish official government documents about a program called “1033.” This program allows local authorities to procure surplus military grade weaponry. Scrutiny increased and it became apparent that police departments, local schools, and universities were equipped with mine resistant tanks, M16 assault rifles, grenade launchers, and a vast array of other munitions.

The public is now curious as to how the budget and allotment of weaponry has transitioned into our local backyards. Who endorsed, authorized, cosigned and approved this program? Clearly this was done without the consent of taxpaying citizens, and then exercised on tax paying citizens.

Are our Federal, State, and local governments using our own tax-based revenue to invest in methods to oppress us and suppress our feelings at the end of an M16 assault rifle?

I think Ferguson, Missouri can answer that fairly.

Whenever these authorities or local government feel that there may be an insurrection, rebellion, revolt, or perceived threat, the powers that be, can summon these war weapons at the behest of the local police chief or higher.

This is what happened in Ferguson and somewhere else that I’ll discuss further below.

What message is conveyed when our First Amendment rights are met with supreme firepower and deadly intimidation?

Treading dangerous waters

Various cities nationwide have become the benefactors of this military surplus program. Who are the targets of this weaponry, and when will this weaponry come into use?

Power is like a disease

America will cast aspersions at China for their political ideology of Communism. However, let’s look at this like a disease. Some people with HIV are asymptomatic, meaning they will not manifest all the trademark signs and symptoms of the disease. Yet, they are still infected with the same virus. Some people with HIV will display each sign and symptom that is characteristic of the disease. Ultimately, whether you display symptoms or not, both patients arrive at the same prognosis and fatal results.

America may not display each trademark sign and symptom of Communism in China. However, does that mean there isn’t some latent and dormant infection that is silently brewing, fomenting, and waiting for the opportune time to manifest?

Was Ferguson America’s Tiananmen Square?

I would like everyone to remember and research the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 in China. In June of 1989, almost a million Chinese protestors (students and non-students) had gathered to march in protest for a myriad of reasons.

Some of the reasons encompassed the integrity, validity, and freedom of press, freedom of speech, employee rights of industry, fairness of wages, labor conditions, government accountability, “corruption of political parties by the elite,” and economics. This was also underscored by the death of Hu Yaobang, a political reformer, that the younger Chinese demographic developed a sort of adoration or affection for.

The students conducted hunger strikes, speeches, marched, and performed other forms of civil disobedience. What happened next was a benchmark struggle between governmental power and human rights.

The government eventually decided to crush the protestors, literally and figuratively. Thousands of military troops descended into Beijing and other parts of China. Hundreds of tanks were dispatched, heavily armed soldiers were sent. The student protestors were shot at and some were even trampled by tanks. This led to the iconic historical photo known as “Tank Man.” Tank Man was one individual that stood in front of the military tanks to impede the progression of the tanks into the crowd. He literally moved inch by inch in front of this behemoth of a man-made killing machine until fellow protestors grabbed him in fear of him being crushed.

The Chinese government had censored the media stream, kicked out foreign journalists, declared martial law, arrested the young protestors for demonstration, and removed government officials that empathized with the protestors.

Now Tiananmen Square is an event unto itself that doesn’t parallel directly to Ferguson, when you look at it numerically. However, when you examine and analyze the strategy, tactics, and willingness of the use of force by authorities on citizens, it starts to resemble Tiananmen Square.

America must be very cautious of our criticism and the sanctimonious disposition we espouse as a global leader. Ferguson, Missouri began to eerily resemble the trademark signs and symptoms of Tiananmen Square. Ferguson was about the unjust murder of Michael Brown, but it spoke to other social ills that many Americans feel daily.

The use of military weaponry as a response to Free Speech, petitioning of accountability, and reform is unethical, immoral, and unacceptable.

Let’s not be blinded in our ethos of liberty and justice for all. The same way a couple reaffirms their vows, America needs to reaffirm our vows, so that we’re not quoting empty historical phrases but actually practicing a true humanitarian doctrine for all. Otherwise, we can easily adapt, morph, and transform into the very system we’ve critiqued and ridiculed for ages.

Hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

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Check these links below:

1033 Program PBS Documentary on Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989

Where are Officer Darren Wilson’s drug toxicology results?

Where are Officer Darren Wilson’s drug toxicology results?

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

What are the toxicology report findings of police officer Darren Wilson?  Was a toxicology screening performed on police officer Darren Wilson?

These are the pertinent questions that should also be posed.  The authorities and forensic examiners have expedited the toxicology screen of police shooting victim, Michael Brown.  These findings will definitely contribute to character profile of Michael Brown.

We’ve seen how Trayvon Martin’s image was transformed from victim to villain as his academic records, photos, and teenage social life were put on display.  Trayvon was stamped as a “pot smoking thug” by many media pundits, and other outlets with ulterior motives.

However, just like in Trayvon’s case, the shooter has been granted a shield from scrutiny.  They’ve allowed both George Zimmerman, and officer Darren Wilson the opportunity to evade public scrutiny, questioning, a chance to redesign their story, clear their body of illicit drugs and alcohol, and manipulate key evidence that could have been on their bodies, clothes, and other items classified as “their person”.

I posted an article for blackbluedog.com in January about police brutality and possible solutions to hold police more accountable for their jobs.  I highlighted the fact that police should be drug tested frequently, and have quarterly mental health screenings, because if military soldiers can develop PTSD, a cop can also.

I strongly believe in frequent drug tests, and mental health screenings for police officers because they operate several apparatuses that are lethal weapons or have the potential to cause death if used irresponsibly.  This would include guns, tasers, police batons, squad car, and mace.  Officers shouldn’t be under the influence of anything that can mentally impair their judgement while performing tasks that may result in the loss of life.

I think that the department needs to be forthcoming with officer Darren Wilson’s toxicology results.  More importantly, if, a toxicology screen was even performed, it should match the date in which Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown.  If officer Darren Wilson tested positive he should then be charged with negligent homicide or something to that effect, in addition to other potential charges.

Now I don’t know if he was under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, but this aspect of the investigation needs to be executed.

Lastly, if a positive test result for Marijuana is enough to prove guilt worthy of public execution, then I assume there should be a firing squad headed out to Colorado where young people and adults are getting high as the Rockies.  I also assume we will be asking for the resignation of pot smoking politicians that smoked weed in the 60s and 70s as hippies right??  Furthermore, I assume Heidi Fleiss (a white female who was busted for running a high end prostitution ring) should have been gunned down, or doing life in prison for illegally growing over 390 marijuana plants in her home last year, but that didn’t happen.  http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/14/us/nevada-heidi-fleiss/

 

That’s just my opinion.  What are your thoughts?

Hit me on twitter: @docswagg06

My other article on police brutality:

http://blackbluedog.com/2014/01/news/dr-samori-swygert-how-do-we-fix-police-brutality/

Dr. Samori Swygert :How Ferguson police called the bluff on “thug rappers”

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How Ferguson, Missouri called the bluff on thug rappers

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

 

Where are these rappers?

I was doing as President Barack Obama told me to do, and I was “reflecting” on the situation in Missouri. I started thinking about the countless numbers of rappers that inundate the airwaves, and fill our playlists and entertainment shelves with their CDs.

I started getting angry because I think of all the “wolf-tickets” they sell our youth in their verses. Consistently there is a consistent segment of the rap community that chooses to demonstrate their bravado and machismo by brandishing a plethora of guns on Youtube, World Star Hip Hop, and Music Videos.

This segment of rappers will spend each line of a 48-bar rap song talking about how “gangsta” they are, how they will kill anybody, how they’re a thug, how they’ll leave slugs in you, how they’ll empty a whole banana clip in you. They feel the need to constantly remind us that they have a “gang, click, posse, crew, squad, goons, clan, set, mafia, unit, hood, and army”. Rappers will scream “Fu*k the Police!”, they’ll make all these songs about what they would do to the “PIGS”. They always “REP DA’HOOD!

Well dammit as T.I. said, “Bring em out”!

It’s convenient, trendy, and a sales strategy to intimidate and invoke fear into competition, but guess what, the Ferguson Police Department has just pulled your card. Where is the tough guy talk now? I’m not talking about posting a “TWEET”. Where are these tons of guns, and battalion of goons that will “body a n*gga”, ……..that looks just like you and going through the same socioeconomic struggle like you?

See it’s easy to talk “greasy” about guys on the block in an interview or in a studio, but what happens when you face a police precinct with military grade weaponry, state of the art body armor, tear gas, tanks, helicopters, night vision, gas masks, riot shields, tactical assault rifles, physically train for combat with paramilitary techniques, and have the permission from local chiefs.

No, you rappers don’t want it. These rappers “ain’t built like that”. Your young black loyal fans and their family are out protesting for their lives and yall won’t dare “STRAP UP AND RIDE ON” the police department. So to me your hood pass has been officially revoked! I’m thinking we would see clicks and gangs crossing state boarders on some N.W.A. influenced effort.

Don’t talk like gorilla killers to impressionable young youth and neighborhood citizens, and you won’t even step up to defend them, participate in their demonstration, and support them in their struggle. However, you’ll make a song about how you’ll kill young black youth. However, these same youth have paid $12.00 for your album download. Maybe your corporate DON has told you guys to not get involved, but for now keep your hypocritical vocals and bars off the airwaves.

To the young black youth that read this, ask yourself “where are these gangster thugs”? Don’t imitate these guys, because Ferguson, Missouri has just exposed how real these rappers are, or if they even care about the customers that look just like them (you). As Jay-Z would say, “we don’t believe you, you need more people”.

hit me on Twitter: @docswagg06

HERE IS A POEM I CREATED IN 2007 I DEDICATE IT TO THESE FAKE RAPPERS AND BET (BLACKS. ENTERTAINING.THEMSELVES):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1E3gRjgv0I

There is a sprinkling of profanity but it’s strictly for the purpose of demonstrating what these rappers sound like. Please enjoy.

I also remember when rap sounded like this, and rappers addressed black on black crime:

http://youtu.be/jxyYP_bS_6s

Does the black LGBT community give away too much of its’ power?

Does the black LGBT community give away too much of its’ power?

by Dr. Samori Swygert

Routinely, popular culture loves throwing out slogans and clichés.  The following are my favorite two because they are so far from correct: “We’re a post-racial society” and “Gay is the new black.”

I want to address the cliché “Gay is the new black.”  When a person tries to explain why they are not the same, many people immediately jump to Bayard Rustin as a convenient talking point.  Bayard Rustin was an African-American civil rights advocate that assisted Dr. Martin Luther King. He was also a homosëxual.

Well this write-up is to stimulate critical thinking and wise logic to assess the priorities of the parties involved.  Before readers get on their knee jerk soapbox — no, this article isn’t about “gay bashing.”

Here is my question to the public:

What about the gay racist?

I think because homosëxuality is a race-neutral issue, some people don’t consider this a reality.  When I say race-neutral I mean,  there is no one specific race that practices, embraces, subscribes, or endorses homosëxuality.  All races have individuals within their race that are homosëxual (American, European, African, Asian, Hispanic, Latino, Middle Eastern, East Indian, Pacific Islander, etc).

When you look at the still photos and video footage of gay pride parades, you’ll see an assortment of ethnicity. However, homosëxuality only denotes sëxual preference or orientation.  Homosëxuality has nothing to do with race relations at all.  These are two completely separate social issues.

The same way that there are racist heterosëxuals, there are racist homosëxuals.  However, there is never dialogue or discussion about this particular subject.

A hypothetical situation

Let’s examine this a little bit: Assume there’s a racist white homosëxual male that is seeking the passage of marriage equality in his respective state.  I believe he would be more than welcoming of all homosëxuals (regardless of race) because they would contribute power (numerically) to get legislation and policies passed or changed.  The multicultural support would benefit his goal of marriage equality in his state.  His goal has been met, yet he can still be dedicated, committed, and devoted to the oppression of African-Americans, Latinos, and an Anti-Semite.

What I’m saying may sound like theatrics, but think about J Edgar Hoover.

There are several books, witnesses, materials, and even the movie about his life that denote he was homosëxual.  J Edgar Hoover was committed, devoted, and dedicated to the systematic oppression and undermining of the civil rights movement.  J Edgar Hoover was complicit in the COINTELPRO program that was responsible for the suppression of the Black Panthers, Martin Luther King, Fred Hampton, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and more.

This is an interesting point that I think deserves heavy contemplation.  When non-white homosëxuals rally in mass numbers for marriage equality and other rights, liberties, and freedoms for homosëxuals, they may help many racist homosëxuals achieve their goal, but there may be no reciprocity on other issues that pertain to them.

The numerical power of African-American homosëxuals can sway political decisions that can turn the tide on marriage equality.  However,  how many racist homosëxuals are vehemently and diametrically opposed to affirmative action, reparations, or even support policies like Stop and Frisk and Stand your Ground (which adversely affects African-Americans more than whites)?  Would all of the members of  GLAAD and the LGBT community support reparations?  How many members of the LGBT community would thank you for the vote but still consider you subservient, inferior, or support policies and legislation that adversely affects you as a race?

Remember, race relations and sëxual orientation are two separate social issues.

I don’t have an answer for this at all.  I just wanted to stimulate thought because at some point in time, a person will have to prioritize or make a critical decision in which race and sëxual preference are the tipping points of a scenario.  How will they choose, and what will govern their decision making process?

Think very broad in scope about this, because I simply used a racist white male as an example, but racial hatred can come from any race and be directed at whomever.

What are your thoughts?   Lastly, please refrain from negative and vulgar commentary, it’s unnecessary.

Tennessee bill will mass incarcerate drug addicted mothers

Tennessee bill will jail drug addicted mothers

by Dr. Samori Swygert

The state of Tennessee has passed House Bill 1295, a bill that criminalizes a mother that uses narcotics during pregnancy. The bill has passed both houses and just needs to be signed into law.

Here’s a quote directly from the bill: “ Criminal Offenses – As introduced, provides that a mother can be prosecuted for an assaultive offense or homicide if she illegally takes a narcotic drug while pregnant and the child is born addicted, is harmed, or dies because of the drug“. – Amends TCA Title 39

I’m torn in two directions of this bill.  I’m completely against a mother using drugs while pregnant and/or breαstfeeding for the obvious reasons of fetal harm.  However, I’m also aware of the power of addiction.  It’s easy for lawmakers and some individuals to tout this bill, but many have never really dealt with true addiction.  I also wonder why treatment and/or rehabilitation is not considered as an option as opposed to incarceration.

Also, what is to be done to mothers that smoke tobacco during pregnancy?  Cigarette smoke is just as detrimental to fetal development, but there is no law that criminalizes pregnant women for smoking cigarettes.

We must also gain a clear itemization of which drugs are considered “narcotics” in Tennessee.  We see the trend in marijuana use.  If marijuana is considered a narcotic like cocaine, crack, heroin, crystal meth, and LSD, there could be a potential problem.  A mother may not use marijuana but individuals in her domestic environment can be heavy users and the possibility of a positive blood test (from second hand smoke, like tobacco) can put her at risk of criminal prosecution.

This bill also feeds into the drug testing business that many states are pushing for. Health care practitioners would be inclined to run a drug screen on every baby born with physical abnormalities.  The child may have a genetic disorder, but because the disorder is present, they would run a drug screen to see if narcotics played a role.

Subsequently, this leads to mass drug testing and a financial boom for the drug testing industry. I discussed the potential financial gains from mass drug testing and how the private equity firm, The Carlyle Group, purchased the blood and drug testing arm of Johnson and Johnson (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics) for $ 4.15 Billion dollars a few months ago.

I never even considered the money to be made from mandatory drug testing and criminal prosecution of pregnant mothers.

I really am in a bind trying to weigh this bill out.  I really see the humanistic portion in the protection of babies, and the discouragement of drug use, but I also see the financial profiteering of the prison industry and drug testing industry.  Are states crafting legislation to generate penalty based revenue?

What do you think about all this?  Where do you stand? Also, should treatment and rehabilitation be the other option before incarceration?

Click here to read my original drug testing article.

29th Anniversary of the Philadelphia MOVE bombing ( May 13, 1985 )

29th Anniversary of the Philadelphia MOVE bombing ( May 13, 1985 )

by Dr. Samori Swygert

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia.  On May 13th 1985, Philadelphia Police engaged a house in West Philadelphia that was occupied by both adults and kids.  The occupants of this house were members of a group called MOVE.

The group was labeled and targeted by the authorities and informants.  According to various sources, the group was founded by John Africa, and the objectives were based on a retreat to natural living, communal growth, holistic medicine, animal rights, and was associated with the Black Liberation movement.

Some neighbors within the community complained to police and city officials about the group’s sanitary conditions.  Complaints detailed how an increase in rats, roaches, and other vermin started to plague the community because MOVE had constructed a compost of rotten food and waste.  Police and city officials also claim that some neighbors had grown irritated from loud bullhorn/speaker messages from the group during varying hours of the day.

City officials and police compiled a dossier of violations that would help justify engaging the group.  Police records of the group and its affiliated members composed of: illegal possession of firearms, parole violation, contempt of court, and terrorist threats.  MOVE members were socially labeled as radicals, and scrutinized emphasis was placed on their style of life and dreaded hair.

The confrontation and bombing stems from a historical feud between MOVE members, the police, and the late 1970s Mayor of Philadelphia Frank Rizzo. In 1978, an altercation ensued between MOVE members and police that resulted in a police officer (Officer Jim Ramp) being shot and killed, and nine members of MOVE (known as The MOVE 9) being incarcerated with prison sentences of 30 years to life.  Frank Rizzo had given the “okay” to bulldoze and fire hose the original MOVE house in a demolition.

The Aftermath of Carnage

Seven years later, police officers had shot tear gas canisters into the new home,  fired multiple shots, and reloaded their weapons and kept firing into the house while babies were crying.  A helicopter was manned and the police dropped two one-pound gel explosives onto the house with the adult and children occupants inside.  This maneuver accelerated an inferno that destroyed 61 homes — approximately four city blocks — and left nearly 240 people homeless.  The final tally revealed the death of six MOVE adults, and five children.  There were only two survivors: a child (Birdie Africa) and a young female (Ramona Africa). You ask “How did a bombing of one house result in the destruction of 61 house?”… The historical phrase “ LET THE FIRE BURN” was broadcasted over the communication between police and city officials.

Ramona Africa is still diligently and relentlessly pursuing the release and vindication of the nine members currently incarcerated.  Ramona still lives in Philadelphia, but travels all over the nation discussing the event and sociopolitical issues in America. She still embraces the group’s original philosophy.  Sadly, Birdie Africa died in 2013, in a tub aboard a cruise at the age of 41.

The houses and surrounding vicinity of Osage Avenue were restored by developers and were poorly rebuilt — requiring renovation/rehabilitation. Some of the developers embezzled up to $200,000 from the construction budget.  During the time of the bombing, Philadelphia was ran by an African American Mayor, Wilson Goode.

This story is very deep and should never be forgotten.  This should remain within the annals of African American History, and the experience of being Black in America.

Here are some links for you to do your own research.

1) To order the documentary Let the fire burn, on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Let-Fire-Burn-Michael-Ward/dp/B00HXT6O4C

2) A timeline of events surrounding the bombing:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hot_topics/93010634.html?c=r

3) PBS discussion of the bombing and an interview with Ramona Africa: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/let-fire-burn-fallout-29-years

How racism mirrors and mimics HIV

hivandracism-300x167

How racism mirrors and mimics HIV

By: Doc Swagg

I was thinking about the monumental injustices in the trials of Michael Dunn and George Zimmerman.  I kept swirling around how the method of transmission of racism is like a disease, and I honed in on comparing the characteristics of HIV and racism.  I just want to share what I thought.

Let’s get started

First, there is still debate of where and when racism actually was discovered.  Who was the first person to be infected and transmit it to others?  You can go to other countries and see racism that exists between other ethnic groups (not just a black/white thing).  However, in America, racism like HIV reveals blacks suffer the most from its pervasiveness.  You can consult the CDC for those statistics.  Then ask, “how many times have you heard white Americans claim they have been discriminated against by blacks  for food, housing, politics, transportation, education, and jobs?”

As a weapon

I also thought about how some people infected with HIV use it as a weapon to hurt other individuals because of what happened to them or just out of shear malice and evil.  How many people use their racist ideologies to hurt and harm others?

On appearance

Racism mimics HIV because you can’t tell if a person is HIV positive or a racist just by looking at them.  Yes, looks can be deceiving.  The most beautiful girl or handsome man can be HIV positive, and the most inviting, nonthreatening, warm smiling person can be a racist.

On social class

HIV and Racism don’t discriminate on socioeconomic class.  Your most famous superstars can be HIV positive and may also be a racist.  The veneer of glamour and fame don’t reveal the heart of people.  A poor person can also be racist, and/or HIV positive.

On $ex

$exual preference has nothing to do with you being racist.  Just like there are heterosexual racists, there are also homosexual racists.  Many people try to embrace this slogan of “Gay is the new black”, but this preference and desires has nothing at all to do with racial and ethnic hatred.  $exuality and race are not bound at the hip, even Siamese twins have different ideologies.  This preference also has nothing to do with HIV, if you are having unprotected s*x as a heterosexual or homosexual, you are putting yourself at risk of infection, point blank, period!

On Children

HIV infected women that are pregnant can infect their child with HIV.  Think about how parents, elders, and relatives can transmit and implant racist philosophies into impressionable children.  Babies and children are innocent, and will play together regardless of skin tone, but adults introduce, infect, and encode the racism into their psyche.

On Denial

Racism and HIV definitely mirror each other on the following perspective.  Many people live in denial of its presence yet people are killed by it every day.  Moreover, when you look at racism and HIV, they are both responsible for the death of millions on a global level.

On knowing your status

Many people don’t even know they are infected.  Many people lie and say they are not infected.  People are scared or uncomfortably engaging in dialogue and discourse about it.  Many individuals are ashamed and embarrassed when publicly exposed that they are a racist or HIV positive because of the stigma associated with it.

On generational understanding

Younger generations don’t really have an in-depth understanding of what they both are, or shall I say, they may not understand the full implications and historical significance of both HIV and racism.  Conversely, many young individuals are learning more about both now because many are becoming victimized by both.

On its adaptability and progression

Racism, like HIV, can mutate, and the mutation can lead to a more virulent strain that spreads faster throughout the body and demolishes the immune system.  Racism can mutate, infest, and corrupt other systems just like the human body.  Racism used to be bold, ostentatious, flamboyant, and socially flagrant.  There used to be public lynching, castration, flogging, burning, branding, and a wide variety of public insults.  People fought against it and now it has mutated into a more subtle, stealth, and deadly strain.  Racism like a virulent HIV strain has corrupted the judicial system, legislative bodies, educational system, economic system, job market, entertainment industry, healthcare and military.  The same way an HIV patient may become severely affected, America is walking around with FULL BLOWN RACISM.

On testing

Many people refuse to examine themselves to see if they are hoarding racist ideologies within, and this is similar to people who refuse to get tested for STDs.  Do you take time out of your life to evaluate if you prejudged someone, denied or granted somebody an opportunity because of skin color alone, harmed or helped someone just because of skin color?  The same way we regularly get tested for HIV, we should also evaluate our own behavior and thoughts for racist beliefs and actions.

On money

There is big money in both the battle against HIV and racism.  Pharmaceutical companies and social agencies make revenue and gain funding to fight HIV.  Media personalities, authors, Hollywood, and career activists get subsidized and paid very lucrative salaries to throw their hat in the ring to fight against racism.

On curing

Lastly, there is no known cure for either of the two.  We have treatment options for HIV and strategies to mitigate racism. The same way we devote national attention and funding to cure HIV, we should have national debate and dialogue to try to solve racism.  Until we find a cure for racism and HIV, I say protect yourself at all times.  To my brothers and sisters afflicted with HIV, I apologize if I may have offended you in anyway, I promise that I have no malicious intent behind this.  I know none of you asked, or wanted to become infected, and my prayers are with you.

What are your thoughts??

100 Reasons why cops need policing!

police brut

100 Reasons why cops need policing!

by: Staff

The abuse of authority by police is growing excessively, and on a national scale.  Cops are shooting more unarmed individuals.  Cops are shooting and fatally wounding individuals with their hands up and other vulnerable positions. They are framing innocent individuals to meet quota and arrest records. They are violating citizens civil rights, and their salary is derived from public tax dollars of the very citizens they violate.  The ease in which cops beat the court cases makes it appear that there isn’t true justice.

Here are some links for you to review and judge for yourself.   The negligent, and reckless behavior is compounded with brash obnoxious/ arrogant bully-like behavior.  This has lead to an authoritarian mind state and a mob mentality among officers.  Many cops have mutated into legalized sociopaths and co-conspirators in narcotics trafficking.  Some officers have real psychiatric problems and engage in sexually deviant behavior behind the badge.

The sickening behavior of some, is ruining the image and integrity of many good cops that perform their duty with true honor, respect, and valor.

The judicial system and law enforcement agencies act as if we’re hallucinating when we tell our stories.  So it’s best to conduct our own research, and collect our own data for the public to view.  Decide for yourself.

Cops are supposed to enforce the law, so there should corruption should be a non-factor in law enforcement. Police should be held to a zero tolerance policy.   Some of these cases will make “Training Day” look like Beverly Hills Cops.

What are your thoughts on all these cases?

  1. http://www.wtop.com/109/3529074/DC-officer-charged-with-attacking-wife
  2. http://www.wtop.com/120/3528787/Ex-Va-officer-loses-appeal-in-fatal-shooting
  3. http://www.wtop.com/109/3527109/Officer-charged-in-prostitution-case-due-in-court
  4. http://www.wtop.com/41/3526934/Officer-in-trainee-shooting-sentenced-to-60-days
  5. http://www.wtop.com/58/3524854/Prince-Georges-police-Officer-shot-by-fellow-cop
  6. http://www.wtop.com/41/3522188/Family-of-teen-to-sue-DC-and-police-officer
  7. http://www.wtop.com/209/3521159/NM-police-officer-in-van-shooting-to-appeal-firing
  8. http://www.wtop.com/41/3524520/Howard-County-officer-charged-with-DUI
  9. http://www.wtop.com/109/3522446/Speculation-surrounds-man-pulled-from-water-near-Hains-Point
  10. http://www.wtop.com/209/3521610/Chief-Fatally-shot-Texas-student-charged-officer
  11. http://www.wtop.com/209/3522817/Another-man-freed-in-Chicago-police-torture-saga
  12. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/files-dc-officer-accused-of-killing-ex-girlfriend-admits-to-meeting-with-her/2011/06/06/AGK5IbKH_story.html -DC police officer cheats on his wife, and kills his impregnated mistress, and allows the baby to die in the car from summer heat exhaustion
  13. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/23/21105239-university-of-california-cop-who-pepper-sprayed-student-protesters-awarded-38000?lite
  14. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/dc-police-officer-indicted-on-attempted-murder-charge/2013/12/20/06f868a2-6989-11e3-ae56-22de072140a2_story.html
  15. http://www.businessinsider.com/cleveland-police-suspends-63-cops-after-deadly-car-chase-2013-10  -ohio car chase
  16. http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/15/justice/north-carolina-police-shooting/    -FAMU shooting
  17. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/miriam-carey-capitol-shooting_n_4040115.html
  18. http://graphics.latimes.com/christopher-dorner-manhunt/    – two innocent women shot in truck in search for Christopher Dorner
  19. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/nypd-officer-gilbert-valle-attempted-kidnapping-cannibalism-cooking_n_2017108.html    -cop wanted to cook and eat girlfriend
  20. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/04/opinion/blow-the-curious-case-of-chavis-charter.html?_r=0    -CHAVEZ CARTER
  21. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/05/15702942-police-handcuffed-high-school-student-shoots-self-in-back-of-police-car?lite   – another chavez carter case
  22. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/nyregion/grief-and-anger-after-noel-polanco-is-fatally-shot-by-police.html    -noel polanco
  23. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/police-involved-sean-bell-shooting-canned-article-1.1050169   -Sean bell
  24. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/nyregion/amadou-diallos-mother-asks-why-officer-who-shot-at-her-son-will-get-gun-back.html   -amadou diallo
  25. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/09/the-abner-louima-case-10-years-later/   – abner louima
  26. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/times-square-shooting-nypd-officers-shoot-two-innocent-bystanders-near-times-square/   -time square shooting
  27. http://www.copblock.org/25561/macon-georgia-officer-slaughter-civilian-at-favorite-hangout/  -sammie davis junior
  28. http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/justice/michigan-police-shooting/   -saginaw michigan shooting
  29. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-06/news/ct-met-chicago-cop-fatal-shooting-1106-20131106_1_officer-gildardo-sierra-flint-farmer-previous-shootings    -chicago officer
  30. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/oscar-grant-iii-fatally-s_n_155462.html   -oscar grant
  31. http://abcnews.go.com/Archives/video/march-1991-rodney-king-videotape-9758031   -rodney king
  32. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/nyregion/officer-accused-of-civil-rights-violation-in-false-arrest.html?_r=0  -fried another nigger
  33. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/04/nyregion/ex-officer-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-crash-following-drinking-bout.html  – drunk cop kills entire family
  34. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/nyregion/officer-pleads-not-guilty-in-ramarley-graham-shooting.html  -ramarley graham
  35. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/patrick-tuter-fired-garland-police-shooting-41-times_n_2805379.html  – cop shoots man 41 times and reloaded weapon
  36. http://rt.com/usa/man-duenez-shooting-video-012/   -cop shoots latino male in front of wife 13 times
  37. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2384192/Police-officer-shoots-kills-unarmed-homeless-man-Hans-Kevin-Arellano.html
  38. http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/justice/new-mexico-search-lawsuit/ – anal cavity search
  39. http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/02/us/police-beating-video/  – atlantic city officers beat and use K9
  40. http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/10/local/la-me-ln-lapd-officer-kicking-woman-video-20131010 – woman kicked and dies while restrained and cuffed
  41. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/nyregion/man-is-awarded-2-4-million-for-false-arrest-and-beating-by-police.html?src=recg – noel guzman, wrongly treated by police and not a participant
  42. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/darrin-manning-testicle-rupture_n_4651700.html– police stop unarmed high school kid and squeezes his testicles until its ruptured
  43. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/curtis-reeves-police-captain-theater-shooting-hearing_n_4730226.html?utm_hp_ref=new-york&ir=New+York  -ex-police captain shoots man in movie theater for texting during movie previews
  44. . http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/nyregion/man-framed-by-new-york-detective-to-get-6-4-million-without-filing-suit.html?from=homepage -man serves over 20 years from being framed by police investigator
  45.  http://www.wtop.com/25/675879/Jury-Awards-37M-in-Prince-Georges-Police-Shooting – cop follows and shoots man in a jeep his mother purchased for him, assuming it was stolen
  46. http://abcnews.go.com/US/dash-cam-video-clears-nj-man-violent-traffic/story?id=22660928 – Marcus Jeter breaks and is pulled over in New Jersey, punched in the face with guns drawn, pulled from car, and cops falsify records to make an arrest to imprison him
  47. http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/police-tase-shoot-and-kill-90-poundpolice – cop shoots and kills a 90 lb schizophrenic boy that was already restrained and tased by two cops in front of his family
  48. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/georgia.botched.raid/ -cops raid a 92 yr old grandmother’s house with no-knock warrant, shoot and kill her using fabricated data
  49. http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/justice/california-police-corruption-arrests/index.html -cops impounding cars and auctioning them off illegally for revenue
  50. http://nypost.com/2014/02/21/cops-hit-my-car-then-arrested-me-to-cover-it-up-suit/ – cops drive down a street the wrong way, hit a parked car and arrest the owner and try to cover up
  51. http://www.ajc.com/news/news/breaking-news/dekalb-police-officer-arrested-on-drug-trafficking/nZpjb/ -another cop busted in drug trafficking
  52. http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/23291870/clayton-county-officer-arrested-in-alleged-drug-deal – another cop busted in drug trafficking
  53. http://www.fbi.gov/atlanta/press-releases/2013/ten-current-and-former-law-enforcement-officers-among-15-arrested-for-protecting-drug-dealers-in-federal-drug-trafficking-sting – ten Georgia cops participating in drug trafficking
  54. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/officer-anthony-dileonardo-faces-nassau-police-charges-in-cabdriver-shooting-says-source-1.6914852 – drunk cop shoots unarmed cap driver in argument
  55. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/texas-shoots-wife-days-posting-gun-review-protecting-police-article-1.1705405 – cop buys shotgun and shoots his wife and then himself
  56. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/justice/new-york-chamberlain-death/ -police force their way into a veteran’s apartment and shoot him to death when he accidentally presses his emergency alert assistance device
  57. http://www.businessinsider.com/police-informant-allegedly-plants-cocaine-in-mans-business-2013-7 -police use informant to plant crack-cocaine in owners smoke shop
  58. http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/09/02/federal-lawsuit-alleges-lowell-police-informants-planted-drugs-scores-cases/aWbMvZkjQUHBo0Bqrp8xxN/story.html – another case where police officer and department being sued for using informant that plants drugs on citizens to help make arrests
  59. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/nyregion/brooklyn-detective-convicted-of-planting-drugs-on-innocent-people.html?_r=0 -Brooklyn narcotics officer found guilty of planting drugs on innocent citizen
  60. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/nyregion/former-new-york-police-officer-fatally-shoots-wife-in-queens-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -police officer shoots and kills his own wife
  61. http://nypost.com/2014/01/22/deal-near-in-central-park-five-lawsuit/ -police coerce and force 5 innocent juvenile New York City males into false confession that resulted in over 10 years of incarceration
  62. http://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/09/nyregion/officer-acquitted-in-squeegee-man-s-shooting.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%233&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F4%2F -New York officer shoots  unarmed homeless squeegee windshield cleaning man in the chest for attempting to clean his windshield
  63. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/28/us/tacoma-police-chief-shoots-wife-before-killing-himself-authorities-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%234&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F5%2F -Tacoma, Washington police chief critically injures wife by shooting her in the head and then kills himself
  64. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/us/06danziger.html?pagewanted=all&action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%234&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F5%2F&_r=0 -New Orleans cops found guilty of shooting unarmed Katrina victims on the Danziger bridge
  65. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/us/2-years-after-116-police-bullets-flew-few-answers.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%237&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F8%2F – Florida cops fire 116 shots at drunk driver that was stopped in the street
  66. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/12/nyregion/ex-officer-gets-6-years-for-killing-suspect.html?ref=franklynreid -Connecticut cop shoots and kills suspect while on his knees and back turned
  67. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/nyregion/officer-killed-boyfriend-and-son-in-murder-suicide-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%237&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F8%2F&_r=0 -officer shoots and kills her boyfriend, year old son and herself
  68. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/15/nyregion/correction-officer-shoots-son-in-car-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%232&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F3%2F -cop previously arrested for drunk driving with loss of gun privileges, shoots his own son twice on highway
  69. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/officers-accused-of-smuggling-guns-in-federal-corruption-case/?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F – New York police officers charged with gun trafficking and smuggling cigarrettes.  Trafficking over a dozen handguns, M-16 rifle, shotgun, and etc.
  70. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/13/nyregion/ticket-fixing-defendant-jose-ramos-accused-of-murder-plot.html?ref=ticketfixingscandal&_r=0 -several New York police officers involved and indicted on a ticket fixing scandal, and an officer guilty of attempted murder, attempted robbery, attempting to traffic heroin, and etc.
  71. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/nyregion/a-case-of-innocence-with-police-missteps-seemingly-at-every-turn.html – 2  innocent women sentenced to 40 years of prison from faulty police investigation and coercion.
  72. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/former-dc-police-officer-sentenced-to-15-years-in-09-murder-robbery/2011/10/21/gIQASPBv4L_story.html -Washington D.C. police officer sentenced to 15 years in jail for serving as a lookout in his police cruiser to help in a robbery of a drug dealer that also resulted in a murder
  73. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/nyregion/20camden.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -185 drug cases had to be dropped in Camden New Jersey because officer either planted drugs, performed illegal searches, stole drugs and money from suspects, trumped up charges, and paid prostitutes money to inform
  74. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/us/11-miami-officers-facing-us-charges-in-3-shooting-deaths.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -11 Miami, Florida officers charged with corruption, stealing and tampering with evidence, planting guns at the scene of a crime
  75. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/123-shots/ -further investigation into cops shooting 73 yr old man 123 times in Miami, Florida and planting firearms in search for drugs , no drugs found
  76. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/01/nyregion/officer-pleads-guilty-in-conspiracy-to-sell-drugs.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2F – New York police officer conspired to sell drugs by stealing narcotics from dealers, and reselling them to other drug dealers, sentenced to 6 months in jail and 4.5 years probation.  How many drug dealers serve 10 and 20 year sentences for this.
  77. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/14-more-correctional-officers-charged-in-maryland-detention-facilities-case/2013/11/21/0af0e55c-52d1-11e3-9fe0-fd2ca728e67c_story.html – 14 Baltimore, Maryland corrections officers indicted on racketeering, drug smuggling and money laundering into Maryland prison.
  78.  http://nypost.com/2007/05/03/coke-cop-cooked/ – another New York city cop found guilty of trying to rob drug dealers and conspiring to sell the narcotics with her uncle by robbing stash houses and trying to resell the cocaine.
  79. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/16/us/3-of-4-officers-convicted-in-police-corruption-case.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F – Los Angeles police officers framing suspects, tampering with evidence, lying about false arrests resulting in the dismissal of 100 cases and almost $100 million in civil lawsuits against the city
  80. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/07/nyregion/two-officers-convicted-in-30th-precinct.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -an detailed article about NYPD’s Dirty 30 precinct
  81. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/nyregion/police-officer-pleads-guilty-in-robberies-of-drug-dealers.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F&_r=0 -NYPD cop sentenced to 25 years for robbing drug dealers with a goon squad that netted over 550 pounds of cocaine and $1 million dollars in drug proceeds.  He gave his crew NYPD raid outifts, and used false search warrants.
  82. http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/09/nyregion/3-officers-held-on-charges-of-extortion-conspiracy.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%232&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F3%2F – Brooklyn cops called the “Morgue Boys”  stole money, drugs, made false arrests, split the money from their scandals inside the police precinct, stole guns from crime scenes and reused them.
  83. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2012/baltimore-city-police-officer-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-for-trafficking-heroin-while-on-duty -Baltimore police officer sentenced to 20 years in jail for participating in heroin trafficking.
  84. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2014/former-baltimore-police-officer-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison-for-protecting-a-heroin-dealer-and-illegally-accessing-police-databases-in-fraudulent-tax-refund-scheme -police officer provided protection for drug dealer and was co-conspirator in tax fraud scheme using police database for same, birthdays, social security numbers
  85. http://www.fbi.gov/chicago/press-releases/2013/former-dolton-police-officer-sentenced-to-75-months-in-prison-for-violating-civil-rights-of-two-men-he-beat-with-baton -Chicago cop does 75 months for beating two unarmed club goers with a metal baton because they cursed at him, then left the scene without calling for medical attention.  The victims required hospital surgery to close head wounds.
  86. http://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/former-east-haven-police-officer-sentenced-to-30-months-in-prison-for-civil-rights-offenses – police officers illegally search vehicle, arrest the owner under false pretense, unlawfully go to the store’s backroom and confiscate the video of their illegal search and file false police reports about their illegal arrest.
  87. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-city-of-miami-police-officer-sentenced-on-corruption-charges – Miami officer sentenced to 81 months in prison for extortion, Identity theft, illegal access of police database to commit tax fraud
  88. http://www.fbi.gov/denver/press-releases/2014/former-littleton-police-officer-sentenced-to-48-months-in-federal-prison-for-firearms-and-drug-trafficking-convictions – Colorado cop selling MDMA pills, and selling guns, found with 8 firearms, steroids, and cocaine
  89. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-city-of-miami-police-officer-sentenced-in-identity-theft-tax-refund-fraud-scheme – another Miami police officer sentenced to 144 months in prison for tax fraud by using police system database to access citizen information to make fraudulent tax claims
  90. http://www.fbi.gov/jackson/press-releases/2013/former-water-valley-police-officer-sentenced – Mississippi police officer sentenced for taking money from drug dealer to provide special law enforcement information, obstruction of an investigation, and extortion under color of right
  91. http://www.fbi.gov/detroit/press-releases/2013/former-highland-park-police-officer-sentenced-to-prison-on-bribery-charges – Police officer and indicted and sentenced for extortion and transporting 4 kilos of cocaine for a drug dealer and using his badge and gun in the process.
  92. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-hialeah-police-officer-and-wife-sentenced-for-dealing-in-firearms-without-a-license – Miami cop and his wife sentenced to 5 years in prison for selling over 500 firearms without a license in Florida, and falsifying tax documents, and failing to report $350,000 in income.
  93. http://www.fbi.gov/memphis/press-releases/2013/former-memphis-police-officer-sentenced-to-84-months-for-civil-rights-violations-drug-conspiracy – Memphis police officer serving 7 years in federal prison for trying to purchase 10 kilos of cocaine to distribute.
  94. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2012/former-prince-georges-county-police-officer-sentenced-in-extortion-conspiracy -Prince Georges cop to serve 46 months for cigarette extortion conspiracy worth over $1 million dollars of illegal tobacco
  95. http://www.fbi.gov/kansascity/press-releases/2012/retired-springfield-police-officer-sentenced-to-19-years-for-sexually-exploiting-a-minor – Police officer involved in child predatory exploitation  to serve 19 years in jail, installing secret cameras in bedroom and bathroom of a 14 year old and commanding the camera thru wireless controls
  96. http://www.fbi.gov/sanantonio/press-releases/2011/sa041111.htm -Laredo, Texas police officer to serve almost 25 years in prison for using police equipment to try and transport 20 kilos of cocaine from south to north Laredo.
  97. http://www.fbi.gov/philadelphia/press-releases/2012/former-reading-police-officer-sentenced-in-connection-with-sex-trafficking-case -Philadelphia police officer complicit in trafficking females under the age of 18 years old for sex
  98. http://www.fbi.gov/kansascity/press-releases/2010/kc120910a.htm -cop sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole for producing child pornography.
  99. http://www.fbi.gov/columbia/press-releases/2009/co052709.htm – South Carolina officer sentenced to 20 years in jail for taking money from a drug dealer for protection, and to operate with impunity within a drug trafficking ring.

Dr. Samori Swygert: How do we fix police brutality?

Bad_Cops

By: Dr. Samori Swygert

One of the benefits as taxpaying citizens is the provision of public safety.  Tax revenue finances the payroll of police departments.  Police officers take an oath to serve and protect the citizens.  The police have a fiduciary obligation to stop, and prevent crime.  The title of a police officer carries a form of valor and respect, because they place their lives at the frontline of defense against criminals that lack respect for the rules and regulations that govern the rights of law abiding citizens.

My concern is the abuse of the badge.  Cops are allocated privileges that the average citizen can’t exercise.  Certain police cases force me to contemplate the abuse of privilege, over-exercising of authority, and the corruption of duty.  I worry about the perversion of privilege with police officers, and the malfeasance behind the “Blue Wall of Silence”.  I’m a reasonable and rational person.  I’m aware that certain operations and investigative strategies may require nontraditional methods of catching criminals.

What happens when privilege and authority are compromised? How do officers operate under the influence of bias, racism, financial incentives, substance abuse, mental illness, and pure power rush?

I think of case studies like: Oscar Grant, Rodney King, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, Abner Louima, Ramarley Graham, Sammie Davis Jr (Macon, Georgia). Now handcuffed are men dying from alleged “self-inflicted gun shots” to the head (Chavis Carter).  This makes you ask, “Are cops stopping and frisking David Blaine?”

Scores of police are indicted annually on participating in drug conspiracies.   There was a NYPD officer (Gilberto Valle III) accessing a National Crime Center database, to track potential female victims to cook and eat in a cannibalistic plot!

The overkill of unarmed citizens with a barrage of bullets is an increasing trend.

The investigations are poor, and explanations are shoddy.  The loss of family members over a mistaken cell phone, or shouting match with police officers typically results in desk duty, and loss of gun privileges for a few months.

Where is the accountability?  It will require the bravery of cops to expose cover-ups and scandals, like Frank Serpico of the NYPD in 1971.

With Stop and Frisk, police are overexerting their authority on innocent citizens in most stops.  Many Black and Latino citizens are stopped and harassed for no reason.   Statistics for stops and arrests were conducted. Whites and Asians stopped by police compared to Blacks and Latino were staggering single digit percentages.  Failure to practice policy homogenously and uniformly across state demographics is discrimination.  This style of policing is unethical.

Unpredictable ramifications occur when racism is deputized by a badge.  April 15, 2011 a NYPD cop named Michael Daragjati in Staten Island, New York, falsely arrested Kenrick Gray because he didn’t like Mr. Gray’s response.  Mr. Gray spent 2 days in jail.  Officer Daragjati was already under investigation by the FEDS for a prior incident.  He was recorded bragging that he “fried another n****r”.  This officer used his position of authority to manifest his own racial hatred and bias.   Officer Daragjati engaged Mr. Gray in plain clothes.  Why would citizens submit to the commands of a person they don’t know is an officer? Citizens nationwide are being victimized by this style of policing.  Many citizens have criminal records because of this.

A Chicago police officer Gildardo Sierra shot a man over 3 times in the back while on a parkway on June 7, 2011.  What underscores this case is this officer admitted to consuming several beers before starting his patrol shift.  This shooting was also this officer’s 3rd shooting and 2nd shooting death in a 6 month time frame. How do you admit to drinking several beers and performing a patrol?  First, driving under the influence is a crime.  Second, you shoot a man in the back over 3 times, and kill him while under the influence of alcohol, and get off!  The scales of justice need to be recalibrated, HELLO!!!!

The moment police remove the right to due process, and authority of the judicial system, the fragility of citizen’s lives dangle in the hands of officer’s mood swings.  The legal system was created for a specific reason.  The system allows discourse and mitigation in a controlled and legal atmosphere where people accused of violations can defend their positions without the threat of death.  Police officers should not play lawyer, judge, jury, and executioner.

Many officers get verbally, and physically aggressive if a citizen doesn’t respond in the exact verbiage the officer prefers.  Many cops precipitate altercations with condescending tonality and behavior that automatically belittles the very citizens that pay their salary.   The disrespect provokes a response, which usually results in calls for back up, guns being drawn, and arrests being made.

Many police videos reveal officers firing a barrage of bullets at unarmed citizens that were at nonthreatening distances, as if shooting a gun is their only alternative.

I think officers should undergo quarterly mental health screenings in a public hospital to avoid potential influence or corruption of results and diagnoses. This is important because they operate a lethal weapon.   Mental illness diagnoses and antipsychotic prescriptions should be furnished to the police department, so departments can conduct effective risk management strategies.   War veterans have developed PTSD and other mental illnesses from their experiences.

Many times courts behave as if officers are undisputedly right and flawless.

Officers should take Breathalyzers, mouth swabs, and blood samples pre and post duty to detect the consumption of alcohol and other drugs (if diabetics can take blood samples 3-5 times a day, why shouldn’t someone with a lethal weapon.  Laws should address multiple officers firing at once.  There are numerous cases of overkill and excessive force like Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, or Timothy Russell in East Cleveland.

I’m not trying to besmirch cops.  My objective is to generate constructive solutions from the readers in the comment section for improvement strategies to be implemented.  Tell us some practical techniques that can be implemented in policing.