Holder Ferguson Response Fails To Mention Fed Charges

Attorney General Eric Holder in the wake of the Nov. 24  grand jury exoneration of Officer Darren Wilson for the Aug. 9 shooting of Michael Brown released his blueprint for a federal response.

He said the steps they were taking were:

  1.  Creating a new task force to promote the expansion of 21st century community-oriented policing.
  2.  Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement, particularly with military-style equipment.
  3.  Advancing the use of body-worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives.

Notice what’s not on the list? That’s right, no federal civil rights charges.

It’s actually what was predicted by those who know the law.

It’s a shame that President Obama wasted the time of those Ferguson protestors by implying the shooting was racially motivated and unjustified.

Here is Holder’s Dec. 2 press release:

Following Michael Brown’s tragic death, millions of people across the nation and around the world have focused their attention on unfolding events in Ferguson, both grieving together and making their voices heard.

In recent days, many have been captivated by ongoing developments, anguished emotions, peaceful protests — and, too often, deeply unfortunate images of unnecessary destruction. And this tragic incident has sparked a necessary, national conversation about the need to ensure trust and build strong relationships between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve.

Events in Ferguson have revealed a deep distrust between a community and its police force. But this reality is not limited to one location. Other communities around this country know this struggle all too well. And it’s abundantly clear that every single one of us has a role to play in tackling this problem together, as a nation — to identify those things that bind us, and to be honest with one another about the things that continue to divide us.

In August, President Obama ordered a review of federal funding and programs that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Administration released that review’s findings — and announced key next steps to strengthen the trust in and effectiveness of the policing of our communities.

Learn more about yesterday’s announcements, and the findings of the Administration’s review.

Here are the next steps we’re taking:

  1. Creating a new task force to promote the expansion of 21st century community-oriented policing.
  2. Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement, particularly with military-style equipment.
  3. Advancing the use of body-worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives.

I know this has been a difficult time for people in Ferguson, and for many others across the country. It will take time for things to get better. But as I assured Ferguson residents during my visit there, in August, the Obama administration is firmly committed to making the progress we need — and that all of our citizens deserve.

The changes that the President announced yesterday are exactly the sorts of programmatic steps that will bring the right people together to engage in a constructive, national conversation — so we can build trust, address persistent concerns, and protect public safety while respecting the rights of every American.

Last Tuesday, addressing the public, the President said, “[to] those who are prepared to work constructively, your President will work with you.” I am committed to answering the President’s call to see this through — as are the men and women of the United States Department of Justice.

Learn more about yesterday’s announcements here — and spread the word to anyone who wants to know how we’re moving forward as a nation.

Thank you,

Eric H. Holder, Jr.

Holder Ferguson Response Fails To Mention Fed Charges

Holder Ferguson Response Fails To Mention Fed Charges

Stupidity, Death And Eric Holder

A shameful scandal concerning the death of a Border Patrol agent is starting to creep into the public consciousness.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began a program in 2005 called Project Gunrunner in which American dealers knowingly sold guns to straw buyers for transfer to criminals in Mexico to set them up for arrest.

By early 2009, it had resulted in charges being filed against 1,400 persons.

In October of that year, the ATF decided to stomp on the accelerator with a Project Gunrunner operation they named “Fast and Furious”.

This plan was objected to by agents on the ground and by the gun dealers as well, but arms were twisted to get them in line and it went into effect. Within 15 months almost 1,800 weapons, most of which were AK-47 semi-automatic rifles, went over the border. The Mexican government was never told. These guns were used in the commission of a host of crimes including the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry on Dec. 14, 2010.

Terry’s murder led to ATF agent John Dodson going public with the travesty.

And this has led to congressional hearings.

Attorney General Eric Holder, who oversees the ATF and under whose watch Fast and Furious happened, had this heated exchange Tuesday, May 3, with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA49) during a hearing before the House’s Judiciary Committee.

Stupidity, Death And Eric Holder

Stupidity, Death And Eric Holder

Kevin Ferris Asks Why Obama Ignores Voter Intimidation

And with regard to the Inky, kudos to Kevin Ferris for his column today regarding the Obama administration strange dismissal of civil rights complaints against members of the New Black Panther Party for actions taken last Election Day at a polling place at 1221 Fairmount St., Philadelphia.

Samir Shabazz,  and Jerry Jackson dressed in paramilitary style uniforms and made racially disparaging comments and threats at voters while brandishing night sticks.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. dismissed the complaints filed by the victims last May and won’t say why. Ferris is asking as  should all who love democracy.

His column can be found: www.philly.com/philly/columnists/20090830_Back_Channels_.html

For a video of the incident see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neGbKHyGuHU

 

Kevin Ferris Asks Why Obama Ignores Voter Intimidation