The article indicates no dispute that the Minneapolis police officer insisted on a citizen taking action that had no necissity because no problem was being caused. This appears to be a case of a police officer feeling an irrational need to demonstrate that she is in control. This is not an uncommon problem for police, but it tends to become much more of an obsession when they deal with African Americans. I agree that it is much more difficult to envision an officer taking such action toward an average-appearing caucasion individual.
Part of the Star Tribune article's take on this incident is also partly curious in its apparent bias toward the police. It interprets Natalie Johnson Lee's defensive statement "If you feel like you need to, write me a ticket" as agreement that she asked for a ticket. The article also concludes "The incident is unlikely to affect Johnson Lee's seat on the council." Why would this even be a question to raise over such a frivolous incident? Jordan Kushner Golden Valley, works downtown ----- Original Message ----- From: "Terrell Brown" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Minneapolis Issues Forum" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2003 4:10 AM Subject: [Mpls] Strib: Johnson Lee cited for failure to obey police order > According to the Strib, "Minneapolis City Council Member Natalie Johnson > Lee said Friday she hasn't decided whether to pay the fine or formally > dispute a police citation she received for blocking traffic and > disobeying a police officer in her North Side ward." > > http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4045205.html > > > Sounds like a clash of 2 people with attitudes. Seems that the > Minneapolis cops have enough problems with out this, Inspector Dolan > only fans the flames. Most drivers would have simply driven around a > person stopped to engage in conversation. In this case when the officer > was already dealing with a medical situation (taking someone to the > hospital) and he takes time out for this? > > And is it really a lawful police order to tell a Council Member to move > a conversation with a constituent? Somehow I don't see the same results > if it had been Zerby in South East or Ostrow in Northeast. > > > Terrell Brown > Loring Park > > > TEMPORARY REMINDER: > 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. > 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) > > ________________________________ > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > > TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
