Comments on: Ft. Worth Mayor Apologizes For Rainbow Lounge Raid; LGBT Police Liaison Announced

By: Stephen Sprinkle

Stephen Sprinkle — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:20:36 +0000

I was there, and I do not agree with the characterization of “theater rather than progress.” Reasonable people may disagree about the tactics of the kids last night, but there are things I know from being there: 1) the apology from the Mayor would never have been forthcoming without the pressure in the room. 2) the agenda was forced up on the list because passions were running so high. 3) Comments like this one, Mr. Burroway, successfully triangulate LGBT people against each other. Opinions vary. Express them all you like, but don’t be so sure that barking back and forth among ourselves does anything but offer comfort to our oppressors. I appreciate the work of BOTH negotiation, and street action. I also refuse to sit on the fence or denigrate my own people. I appreciate your hard work on this blog.

Steve Sprinkle
Brite Divinity School
Fort Worth, Texas

By: Lindoro Almaviva

Lindoro Almaviva — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:46:52 +0000

The agents and officers involved in that raid ought to face harsh disciplinary action.

wouldn’t that be beautiful? Now let’s talk about reality and the actual possibility that it will not happen.

The raiders of the Stonewall did not face any charges. Even 40 years ago, there were civil liberties laws and there was no investigation.

Of more current memory, how many times have we seen police commit brutal acts, an investigation ensues and the result is either a slap on the wrist or a “no wrongdoing” result?

By: Lucrece

Lucrece — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:17:05 +0000

I expect heads to roll after the investigation. Not this fluff bureaucratic crap and slaps on the wrist.

The agents and officers involved in that raid ought to face harsh disciplinary action. Hit them where it hurts; dock their pay.

By: Lindoro Almaviva

Lindoro Almaviva — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:49:17 +0000

I guess this is now the waiting time. Let’s hope that the investigation do not, all of a sudden, conclude that there was “no excessive use of force” or “wrongdoing” in the part of the police.

Would not be the first time it happens.