The Chicago Police Department has been charged with the task of keeping the peace. But many officers on the Force have a warped perception of what this responsibility truly entails.
The CPD has made this clear on several occasions, none more memorable than the crack-down at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which was classified by the Walker Report as a “police riot.” But, instead of learning from the tragedies that accompanied the demonstration, the police have chosen to celebrate this cycle of violence.
We demand the Office of the Mayor publicly condemn this event, both out of respect for the lives that were ruthlessly stolen by the CPD during this contemptuous time and to ensure the safety of Chicago’s residents.
Chicago is currently bidding to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. But how can a police department that believes brute force is an acceptable and effective form of crowd control manage the revelry and disorder around an international athletic event?
Ultimately, it can’t. We saw this at the DNC and at the anti-war march on March 20, 2003. In both cases, the officers charged with keeping the peace were actually the purveyors of violence.
This is not surprising, given the mantras they preach. To this day, they portray the brutal events of 1968 and 1969 as a heroic “stand against anarchy” in the name of “public order.” They create a militaristic dichotomy between “Marxist street thugs” and “a thin blue line of dedicated, tough Chicago police officers.”*
This mentality must change. To mend Chicago’s dismal reputation, we urge you to make an official statement condemning this reunion and the abuse of police power.
Sincerely,
Chicago Copwatch
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Your a liar I was at the March 2003 it was peaceful ! So stop the non-sense .You need to change : The convention was 40 years ago How about you get this mad over the six people that were shot this weekend . END THE GANG VIOLENCE NOW THATS A GOOD CAUSE
Are you ready for these thugs to be back on the streets? You were referring to Ofc. Barnes
ofc. Powers & Sgt Planey .YOUR THE WARPED PERSON
