July 3rd, 2009
While the Ft. Worth Fort Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission continue their own internal investigations into Sunday morning’s raid on the Rainbow Lounge, Ft. Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief has asked acting U.S. Attorney James Jacks to independently review those investigations once they are completed.
Moncrief said, “I have confidence that Chief (Jeffrey) Halstead is leading a thorough and professional investigation,” but he wants to make sure that the department “has thoroughly and impartially carried out its obligation to all the citizens of Fort Worth.” He also encouraged the TABC to do the same. City spokesman Jason Lammers reiterated that the mayor’s action should not be taken as a sign of a lack of confidence on the police department’s ability to conduct fair investigation.
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GreenEyedLilo
July 3rd, 2009
Good. The fact that this raid is being recognized as the gross civil rights violation it is proves that we’ve progressed a bit past Stonewall.
Richard W. Fitch
July 3rd, 2009
On the other hand, it could simply be a matter of saving face politically. Make it seem as though the mayor and FWPD chief and the TABC are making the initiative. The reality is that the Texas ACLU is already moving in to action with a filing for Open Records. Check out the letter:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aclutx.org%2Ffiles%2F2009%252007%252002%2520ORR%2520to%2520TABC.pdf&h=c5cac5f6078ead33c30426ce600434bb
Richard W. Fitch
July 4th, 2009
The NY Times has now weighed in on the event with a very gay positive perspective:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/us/05texas.html?_r=6&sq=gay%20fort%20worth&st=cse&scp=2&pagewanted=print
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