Tuesday, September 11, 2007

District 9: To Sweep, or Not To Sweep?

Independent candidate David Adams released this campaign video to YouTube (h/t MR):



Adams says, "We cannot have sweeps and raids as Rev. Ricky Burgess is calling for," and implies that the approach of his Democratic opponent is too disorganized.

In this clip from a candidate forum prior to the May primary, Burgess does call for "targeted police sweeps."



What say you, Burghosphmaniacs?

Editorial Comment: We are having trouble imagining how to confront organized crime without ever having to conduct raids or sweeps, even if we do get community collaboration, economic development, and everything else into place.

5 comments:

  1. When there is a problem with liberty -- people will vote with their feet and leave. The city is getting smaller and smaller because people leave. The crushing moves of power shares some of that blame.

    When 'the man' comes swooping down on the citizens on a whim, the people get skeptical. They don't vote. They don't 'snitch.' They check out.

    Sweeps and raids have taken, sadly, too often, the place of good police work and community cooperation.

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  2. I want to see both candidates debate each other. We finally have an election past the primary. The voters deserves a chance to make a choose.

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  3. Who doesn't agree with getting rid of 'thugs and drugs"in any neighborhood??

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  4. Yes, let's hold debates!

    We need debates.

    Getting rid of the thugs and drugs in neighborhoods is the overall crime issue. And, the fact that crime exists is NOT the story. But, we need to talk about HOW to solve the problem(s). HOW and WHY need to be put into focus -- not what and who.

    Sponsor a debate! Call others who can and should sponsor debates. The time is ticking.....

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  5. Mark I feel that you make a great point about not imposing a police presence on neighborhoods in the ninth council district. However, when you look at the Boston plan that Rev. Burgess commonly cites as an inspiration crime prevent policy, one major theme is the idea of community policing, where there is a positive relationship formed between community members and police. This creates a culture that, invalidates the main postulate of the so called "stop snitching" culture; if police are viewed as trustworthy and not out to get members of the community, then the community will welcome an increase police presence targeting problem areas.

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