Committed to Activism.....

[gimmethesimplelife]

We have had another incident of police brutality take place in Phoenix, this one involving an African American family brutally harassed by the evil scum that is the Phoenix PD....at least the officers on video that represent the Phoenix PD. I'm proud to say this family IMMEDIATELY went for the financial jugular with a $10 million USD lawsuit....I am so impressed with their willingness to cash in and to stand up to the evil that is the Phoenix PD.

At any rate, I have committed to activism against this incident and will probably be here only once in awhile for a short period of time. It's so nice too that it's June in Phoenix and it's under 105F every day lately when it could just as easily be 115F......the weather is cooperating for any upcoming protest marches. Wish us luck and the family every penny they are suing for! Rob

PS Cool also that it's my slow season and that I have time to offer this cause these days......

[Teacher Terry]

About a year ago at a local protest a guy got mad and drove his truck into a crowd. There is no way I go to any of those.

[Tammy]

Did you Mayor Kate Gallego’s tweet? She’s calling them to account for this.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Did you Mayor Kate Gallego’s tweet? She’s calling them to account for this.Tammy, no, I wasn't aware of this and will google right now. Kudos to Mayor Gallego!!!!! Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

Did you Mayor Kate Gallego’s tweet? She’s calling them to account for this.I just googled.... nice to see Mayor Gallego showing some human decency and admitting that there is indeed a problem....will be interesting to see how far she goes and how seriously she takes this. Rob

[bae]

What sort of activism are you contemplating?

Is there a handy summary of the facts of this incident available?

[Yarrow]

Rob, I just watched the video of this incident and it was horrific. You really do have some beyond crooked cops in Phoenix. I sincerely hope they are fired!

[gimmethesimplelife]

Rob, I just watched the video of this incident and it was horrific. You really do have some beyond crooked cops in Phoenix. I sincerely hope they are fired!Yarrow, Thank You. Maybe now some of you will understand where I am coming from and why I hold some of the beliefs I hold. Just as a reference point: The neighborhood this happened in? It's not the 85006 but it's a similar neighborhood one zip code over with struggling working class folks - this is how the Phoenix Police treats those who are struggling and is a great example why the 85006 universally HATES the police. I wish it wasn't like this but this is the truth of America today - I'm able to face it head on for what it is. Rob

[Tammy]

Kate Gallego is taking us in a good direction in several ways. Let’s see if these libertarians can follow ...

[gimmethesimplelife]

Kate Gallego is taking us in a good direction in several ways. Let’s see if these libertarians can follow ...Im glad she got into office.....we can use a Democrat as Mayor and we did get one! Will be interesting to see how far she goes with the Phoenix PD....lip service, an attempt at change, or actual change? Time will tell and these kinds of incidents are only going to keep happening until accountability rears it's long overdue head at the Phoenix PD...….Rob

[flowerseverywhere]

Beyond appalling. Vulgar language while they were pointing guns at the women and man, an officer tried to yank her young child away before a bystander took the child so she would not get harmed. Who points guns at children?

Even if they stole more than a doll, it doesn’t justify killing someone. They could easily have been killed if someone twitched the wrong way.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Beyond appalling. Vulgar language while they were pointing guns at the women and man, an officer tried to yank her young child away before a bystander took the child so she would not get harmed. Who points guns at children?

Even if they stole more than a doll, it doesn’t justify killing someone. They could easily have been killed if someone twitched the wrong way.And there you have it, standard everyday behavior on the part of the Phoenix PD. Thankfully this was recorded (see why I say over and over and over again NEVER leave home without a fully charged smartphone? Does that makes sense to some of you now?) and went viral, thereby showing the world the reality of terrorization of Phoenix residents by the Phoenix PD - though I will say such terrorization is mostly limited to neighborhoods such as mine or those similar to my infamous zip code. Welcome to the reality of American policing, folks! Rob

PS Came back to add - Flowerseverywhere - your last sentence is so true. This family could have so easily been murdered, each and every one of them. THANK GOD that someone was there videoing everything.....this saved lives and will be crucial in their huge lawsuit settlement. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

Beyond appalling. Vulgar language while they were pointing guns at the women and man, an officer tried to yank her young child away before a bystander took the child so she would not get harmed. Who points guns at children?

Even if they stole more than a doll, it doesn’t justify killing someone. They could easily have been killed if someone twitched the wrong way.Who points guns at children? The El Paso, TX PD is guilty of this - about a year ago an El Paso LEO pointed his gun at a minor - thankfully it was recorded and went viral. I still feel guilty that I did not attend the protests I was invited to but only did long distance activism against the El Paso, TX PD. Rob

[Teacher Terry]

Rob, I just saw the video and it’s beyond horrible. I was shocked. No wonder they have a lawsuit.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Rob, I just saw the video and it’s beyond horrible. I was shocked. No wonder they have a lawsuit.This behavior really is not all that unusual for the Phoenix PD in lower income neighborhoods - as I've said, THANK GOD this was captured on video and not only does the city of Phoenix have lots of 'splainin' to do, they need to prep for increased liability insurance premiums and they also need to realize that the public is going to unleash an uproar at ANY raised fee as a way to make up for the increase in liability insurance premiums. I also wonder if residents should start suing for negligent hiring? As Phoenix residents our lives are truly vulnerable to these sociopaths/psychopaths 24/7/365. Negligent hiring lawsuits might be a good way to go - just imagine all the attention and outrage such would garner.......Rob

[dmc]

So the store called the police to inform them of the shoplifters. They went out to their car and ordered them to stop, one occupant got out and was arrested for previous warrants and the others fled. When stopped at their apartment, as usual the perps think that orders from the police are suggestions.

tempers flare and we see part of the story from cell phones. The perps admit to shoplifting, they even take their kids along, might as well show them how it’s done while their young. Evidently one of the kids stole a doll while they were there also, why not the parents are teaching buy example.

Now they and their lawyer are hoping to cash in.

[gimmethesimplelife]

So the store called the police to inform them of the shoplifters. They went out to their car and ordered them to stop, one occupant got out and was arrested for previous warrants and the others fled. When stopped at their apartment, as usual the perps think that orders from the police are suggestions.

tempers flare and we see part of the story from cell phones. The perps admit to shoplifting, they even take their kids along, might as well show them how it’s done while their young. Evidently one of the kids stole a doll while they were there also, why not the parents are teaching buy example.

Now they and their lawyer are hoping to cash in.There are many, myself amongst them and apparently other posters here, who have watched this video and find fault with the police over their behavior shown in this video. YMMV, and that's cool....my point here is that many do not see it this way and most of Phoenix, interestingly enough this one goes UP the social class ladder, too - agrees with me and not you.

But you do get to see things as you wish, I'm not taking that away from you. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

So the store called the police to inform them of the shoplifters. They went out to their car and ordered them to stop, one occupant got out and was arrested for previous warrants and the others fled. When stopped at their apartment, as usual the perps think that orders from the police are suggestions.

tempers flare and we see part of the story from cell phones. The perps admit to shoplifting, they even take their kids along, might as well show them how it’s done while their young. Evidently one of the kids stole a doll while they were there also, why not the parents are teaching buy example.

Now they and their lawyer are hoping to cash in.About cashing in? I believe that any Phoenix resident who can afford to should consider suing the Phoenix PD for negligent hiring as all Phoenix resident's lives are at risk 24/7/365 from these psychopaths/sociopaths. Watch the video for standard operational procedure of the Phoenix PD in a lower income struggling area........they are literally BEGGING to be cashed in on, why disappoint them and let such an opportunity go to waste? You are a believer in taking advantage of opportunities, no? Here is an opportunity for those who can afford litigation. Rob

[Yppej]

So the store called the police to inform them of the shoplifters. They went out to their car and ordered them to stop, one occupant got out and was arrested for previous warrants and the others fled. When stopped at their apartment, as usual the perps think that orders from the police are suggestions.

tempers flare and we see part of the story from cell phones. The perps admit to shoplifting, they even take their kids along, might as well show them how it’s done while their young. Evidently one of the kids stole a doll while they were there also, why not the parents are teaching buy example.

Now they and their lawyer are hoping to cash in.

Rob, is this what happened? From what I read the police were called for different shoplifters, then this family was also mentioned when they arrived on the scene. I read that the man stole underwear, the woman and one child took nothing, and a four year old took a doll. I have known parents who were unaware their child walked out of a store with a toy, and the store realizes this and is not pressing charges for the doll.

I would give the mother the benefit of the doubt. Sounds like she needs to cut the loser guy loose before she and her kids get caught in the crossfire for his bad behavior.

ETA: a great concept for a talk show would be, "Dump Him Girlfriend" in which a hostess reviews cases like this, doles out dumping advice, offers financial assistance for divorce or other costs, and does periodic where are they now updates.

[Teacher Terry]

Although the guy totally cooperated the cop still kicked his leg out from underneath him. Totally unnecessary. Even if the whole family shoplifted the response was over the top. People’s lives are valuable. Plus it sounds like only him. Kids when little don’t understand stealing.

[gimmethesimplelife]

There was a community meeting downtown last night. The Phoenix Police Chief was there, dishing out empty words like "there will be change" but offering nothing concrete. The Mayor was there. Numerous people in the audience spoke of instances of police brutality at the hands of the Phoenix Police. There was a sense of deep, years old anger and hostility, well earned and richly deserved by the Phoenix Police, that will not heal in this lifetime.

This time around I actually have some hope. This time the police went so far that hatred and hostility of them is climbing up the social ladder and that's very heart warming to see.....to see people who live in the fantasy America actually waking up and seeing the police as they truly are, never to see them the same way again. There is so much anger this time around - it is not just going to go away. And the police response does seem a bit like deer in headlights - they really seem stunned that there might be the faintest chance that they may be held accountable. Truly this event has shown what American police are all about, to the entire world. As an activist I'd be lying if I said this didn't please me, you know?

At any rate, protests are coming and I am very much looking forward. Rob

[bae]

Truly this event has shown what American police are all about, to the entire world.

Are all American police like the Phoenix malefactors?

[gimmethesimplelife]

Are all American police like the Phoenix malefactors?Maybe not QUITE as bad, bae, to be fair. That said, with the general trend of police behavior in America, your answer is unfortunately yes. Welcome to the reality of America, at least for lower income people. I'm just glad the world is seeing the truth so that the American way can be rejected by more and more people worldwide. At least some good in some form is coming out of this I guess. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

There is a rally/protest scheduled next Tuesday at 2 Pm at Phoenix City Hall.....very much looking forward. I hope to be in some microscopically tiny way a driver of permanent change in the Phoenix Police Department, by helping people to cash in on their evil. It really does look like payback time has arrived and for all the many victims of the Phoenix PD, it's hard not to feel sheer joy. Rob

[Teacher Terry]

I know you think large settlements are key but I don’t never think that’s true. I am concerning about the loss of life and treating people as sub human because of their color. Entire cultures may need to be changed in some police deaths. Money doesn’t bring someone back.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Phoenix is still a simmering mess waiting for an ignition device to set it ablaze....not literally, what I mean is to usher in more drama - drama of a level heretofore essentially unknown in Phoenix. The Mayor's Office and the Police Chief are wisely keeping a low profile since the chaotic rally held at Phoenix City Hall a couple of days ago. This isn't going to help them iota, really, but at least they are wise enough to know to avoid making any media sound bites that they don't have to. Smart on their part given the givens and given their weakened and vulnerable state. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

There is still a lot of anger simmering and stewing in Phoenix. I'm personally grateful as if there is no change, the police will face yet more anger and hostility and defiance from the general population, with an automatic assumption that any police encounter equals a fairly high risk of death for no legal reason. It's called consequences - if the Phoenix PD can't handle this, they can put in their weeks notice collectively and go get jobs at the airport with TSA where they won't be such a threat to society.

One nice thing is that two more large lawsuits against the Phoenix PD have come forward recently (it's like the stars have aligned for litigation against the Phoenix PD given the current weakened and vulnerable position)....one for 12.5 million alleging sexual assault, and another for 6 million due to a Phoenix PD Officer murdering yet another victim. Rob

[iris lilies]

I have a lot of anger simmering about the most recent cop killing in St. Louis. Wish we could sue the perp but of course he is a low life with no assets. No money there for a remedy. We citizens will have to donate to Backstoppers for money going to his small children and wife.

[Alan]

I have a lot of anger simmering about the most recent cop killing in St. Louis. Wish we could sue the perp but of course he is a low life with no assets. No money there for a remedy. We citizens will have to donate to Backstoppers for money going to his small children and wife.
We have the same issue here, a few months ago a shithead made a 911 call and then ambushed responding officers, killing a young officer with a 5 year old son. It's taken donations from citizens just to put a marker on his grave.

Maybe Rob will research William Lee Brewer and send a donation?

[Teacher Terry]

Alan, that’s terrible. That kinda useless violence makes me wonder why anyone wants to do that job anymore. We have become such a violent society.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Alan, that’s terrible. That kinda useless violence makes me wonder why anyone wants to do that job anymore. We have become such a violent society.TT, true that, we have become a violent society. True that. What previous posters don't seem to realize, at least from my vantage point in the 85006? This street goes two ways - the violence goes two ways and the police are by no means innocent. Not at all. Not one iota. But most assuredly there is violence on the other side of the equation, too. I have never denied this. Rob

[Yppej]

Don't police departments offer life insurance to their employees?

[iris lilies]

Don't police departments offer life insurance to their employees?
If you mean if there compensation for families of officers killed or i jured, sure. But they are not rolling in it.

[Teacher Terry]

Y was probably thinking life insurance would be money they can use for the headstone. I also thought widows got pensions if spouses were killed in the line of duty.

[iris lilies]

Y was probably thinking life insurance would be money they can use for the headstone. I also thought widows got pensions if spouses were killed in the line of duty.

Likely there is some ongoing income for the family of a dead police officer. They are not rolling in it. Perhaps citizens can express their sorrow and support for the family with donations?Is that ok?

That has not been outlawed—yet. The Robs of the world might like that restriction—a police officer shot in an altercation with a citizen may not get financial compensation of any kind for himself or his family IF he prevails in the shootout. Rob’s Law they could call it, his enduring legacy.

[Tammy]

We always have fund raisers when police and fire personnel die. Which is fine. But we don’t do this when teachers, social workers, or nurses die. I’ve always found it a little heavy on the “first responder are heroes” line, when we don’t recognize the teachers, social workers, and nurses as heroes whose families also lost their income when they lost their family member.

These groups tend to occupy the same socioeconomic strata. And they all ate the “helpers” in our society.

But it’s probably explained by the historical division of labor - in the old days, men were first responders, and women were teachers, social workers, and nurses.

[iris lilies]

We always have fund raisers when police and fire personnel die. Which is fine. But we don’t do this when teachers, social workers, or nurses die. I’ve always found it a little heavy on the “first responder are heroes” line, when we don’t recognize the teachers, social workers, and nurses as heroes whose families also lost their income when they lost their family member.

These groups tend to occupy the same socioeconomic strata. And they all ate the “helpers” in our society.

But it’s probably explained by the historical division of labor - in the old days, men were first responders, and women were teachers, social workers, and nurses.

not entirely true. There are multiple fundraisers going on here in St. Louis for a high school coach who was paralyzed when he was hit by a random bullet.

When you say “we” dont do this, is someone stopping you?

[Yppej]

I am surprised people with dependents do not buy supplemental life insurance. When I was pregnant XDH and I were living paycheck to paycheck but I made sure to have a policy in place prior to the birth.

[Tammy]

not entirely true. There are multiple fundraisers going on here in St. Louis for a high school coach who was paralyzed when he was hit by a random bullet.

When you say “we” dont do this, is someone stopping you?

Good point on the personal level. I choose to donate PTO instead of organize a big fundraiser.

However my observation of our society still is true. The collective “we” does not do this.

[bae]

Alan, that’s terrible. That kinda useless violence makes me wonder why anyone wants to do that job anymore. We have become such a violent society.

I would not work as a first responder on the mainland these days. We've had too many instances of firefighters and EMS people lured into ambushes by angry simmering people.

[Teacher Terry]

Bae, I have read about that and it’s terrible. EMT’s, fireman, etc always help so why someone would want to ambush them is beyond comprehension.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I just heard from the day shift lead cashier at Food City that Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego is holding some kind of meeting July 2nd - tomorrow - in regards to setting up a civilian oversight board for the Phoenix Police, something that both Phoenix PD officers and their union will fight tooth and nail and something that activists will be downloading to social media and the local and national and international media faster than the speed of light - not for lawsuits, mind you, but to show the world how little human life means both in Phoenix and in the United States. The word has definitely gotten out at this point - that much is true - but it doesn't hurt to keep broadcasting this reality to the world.

And back to something more positive. Kudos to Mayor Gallego for trying, gotta give the woman respect here, I truly do. I don't know if she realizes the nightmare she is up against with the Phoenix PD and it's union but NOW IS THE TIME TO GET SOMETHING LIKE THIS PASSED as both the Phoenix PD and the Police Union are in a weakened and vulnerable state. I for my part am doing my part by keeping the pot stirred here locally, both in person and online. I just wish there was something I could do to help Mayor Gallegos who I'm finding I have a great deal of respect for. Rob

[iris lilies]

Our mayor, our district attorney, and our Police Department are all fighting with each other, too. It makes me feel so protected. Not.

Our estimated time of departure of the city of St. Louis is 24 months.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I just received a text from someone on my 85006 Phone Tree that Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams will be presenting a transparency plan for the Phoenix PD tomorrow - she is expected to ask for risk management software to track officer performance but it is unclear if this information, i.e, the level of risk a individual officer presents Joe Public with during a police officer/civilian encounter (this risk goes two ways as video proves day in and day out - the public NEEDS to know the risk profile of any officer they encounter, period, no exceptions) will be made available to the public. My guess is that Ms. Williams is not quite aware of the depth of lifetime anger and hostility and complete and utter distrust she is up against and did not even think to make this information public which is not going to sit well with a community no longer willing to risk their lives and physical safety to these evil thugs 24/7/365.

But, even I have to admit, I am looking forward to what Chief Williams has to say and how far she is willing to go. Should be interesting.....Rob

[bae]

Does Phoenix have any sort of accountability program in place?

Seattle does, because of Federal order....

https://www.seattle.gov/opa/seattle-police-accountability-system

[gimmethesimplelife]

Does Phoenix have any sort of accountability program in place?

Seattle does, because of Federal order....

https://www.seattle.gov/opa/seattle-police-accountability-systemFair question, Bae, and my answer is - none that I am aware of. There is an "Office of Professional Standards" that you can take complaints regarding officers to - which must be a wonderful job as it is pension-accruing and the findings are always the same, letting the officers completely off the hook. Phoenix, and not just my zip code, has had it's fill of this and then some. At any rate, to answer your question - beyond this bogus office aforementioned, I know of no accountability program period. Never heard of one for the Phoenix PD, though it has been tried more than once to get a citizen oversight board in and it seems like this time may be the charm as the pressure is coming from every direction (not just lower income directions for once)....when you have upper middle class businesspeople calling in to radio talk shows wondering if they should bail to a safer country (interesting that safety should be what inspires someone safe from capitalism to bail, whereas way down the food chain it's more the inhumanity of American health care access and how little human life means in America)....point being, this time the pressure is from higher sources than the 85006. Good to see that, too, believe you me.

Tomorrow should be interesting as the Police Chief is revealing an accountability plan and the Mayor is having talks regarding a Citizen Oversight Committee for the Phoenix PD........should be very interesting. I think perhaps someone at City Hall realizes that Phoenix is now a powder keg waiting for a ignition device to set it off. Rob

[Reyes]

Iris, where to next? Pacific Northwest hopefully:-)!

[iris lilies]

Iris, where to next? Pacific Northwest hopefully:-)!
Naw, we have given up the idea of the PNW. We have a house in a small tourist town, Hermann, MO and will retire there. I will rent an apartment in St. Louis city to keep my hand in in the city and probably to have a major lily garden in my neighborhood’s community garden.

We have gardening friends who are planning to make a jump to the PNW tho, due to gardening weather.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I just read online that the parents involved in this tawdry incident have been asked by the City Attorney's Office if they would care to prosecute the officers involved....if they would like to press charges. Things could soon get interesting here - if these officers are indeed prosecuted I predict psychopathic and sociopathic officers will start putting in their notice as they may understand that their window of getting away with this behavior is now closed. We'll see but it's an interesting twist in this drama and a very welcome twist, too. I can't think of anything better to keep officers in line than fear of pension loss/fear of imprisonment/fear of an empowered public. Rob

[JaneV2.0]

Naw, we have given up the idea of the PNW. We have a house in a small tourist town, Hermann, MO and will retire there. I will rent an apartment in St. Louis city to keep my hand in in the city and probably to have a major lily garden in my neighborhood’s community garden.

We have gardening friends who are planning to make a jump to the PNW tho, due to gardening weather.

The PNW should be zoned tropical by the time they get here. I'm looking forward to growing avocados...:~)

[gimmethesimplelife]

Likely there is some ongoing income for the family of a dead police officer. They are not rolling in it. Perhaps citizens can express their sorrow and support for the family with donations?Is that ok?

That has not been outlawed—yet. The Robs of the world might like that restriction—a police officer shot in an altercation with a citizen may not get financial compensation of any kind for himself or his family IF he prevails in the shootout. Rob’s Law they could call it, his enduring legacy.I need no recognition nor any law named in my honor.....just Human Rights, Human Dignity, The Rule of Law, and a system of effective checks and balances against police power. That's all. Rob