I feel David's frustration around getting an answer to his question. In this forum I've addressed anti-camping ordinances and laws that have, in effect, put homeless people at the mercy of rogue cops, a reality that was acknowledged in the Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial, "Hurting the homeless/Does it really happen rarely?" (02/10/03). Mayor Rybak acknowledged police abuse against the homeless himself, when Lydia Howell asked him "Is it right to jail them for sleeping in their car or camping out?" (Homeless Is Not A Crime, Pulse, February 19, 2003). The Mayor responded, "Part of the problem is the way some police treat homeless people." At this point I like to mention that many people who experience homelessness suffer from serious and persistent mental illness. Even when shelters are not full and turning people away, some homeless people may choose to camp outside on account of their symptoms of paranoia. In the mayor's race two years ago several people I knew were supporting R.T. Rybak over the incumbent because they thought he wanted to see a change in the way police officers treat those with mental illnesses. (I agreed with them until Rybak, the candidate, sought and accepted the endorsement of the Minneapolis Police Federation). Last Thursday when Mayor Rybak participated in this forum to vouch for Phyllis Kahn's integrity, I thought he might respond to my comments about homelessness and anti-camping ordinances, but he hasn't. So I'll be more direct and ask the Mayor this sincere question: If repealing or putting a moratorium on anti-camping ordinances is not going to work, then how do you intend to use your office to stop the bad treatment that homeless people experience from some police? ---------Peter Schmitz, CARAG
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