RE: Bailey, et al .v. City of Philadelphia
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COPS HANDCUFFED BY COURT 'AGREEMENT'
Drug Dealers, etc. Get Upper Hand... Cite "4th Amendment"
Let me first start by saying I'm all about Civil Rights and protecting the most defenseless in our community and city. That being said; "Bailey, et al" is a DANGER to communities.
We heard about this last month at our ONE Feltonville CCDC Community & Town Watch meeting. I was first made aware of it by a 25th Police District officer on the street. Yesterday, I had a first-hand' experience with it. In the area of 4th and Ruscomb Streets (in Olney- 35th Police District) I was approached by a Latino male and he said (in all one breath): "Rock-weed-dope-xanies"! I tried to text this to PPD TIPS and it didn't go through, so I called 911. After taking the information and description, and asking if 'actually saw drugs' the call taker then asked me to give my name "for recording purposes only". (And, simply saying "I'm a Town Watch Member" was not enough).
In frustration I called the 35th District to share my exaperation and seek guidance. Unfortunately, I was not left feeling any better! It seems that the ACLU, the courts and and even more bleeding-heart liberals than me --have given those who prey on us free-rein over our city and communities. As the person I spoke to said "It gives drug dealers carte-blanche to sell narcotics." The only ones handcuffed, I surmised are the Philly Police. Unless "Narcotics Officers" physically observe a drug deal, or by some covert operation make an arrest, WE the cop-calling-civilian community--are at a loss.
In deference to the courts, ACLU, David Rudovsky, esq., et al, the City and Philly Police implemented this 'Court Order" about 8 months ago, under then Commissioner Ramsey. Now, the Kenney administration and Commissioner Richard Ross are 'forced' to implement "Bailey" as a policy directive--and monitor it. Remember, this all began over controversial 'stop-and-frisk' policies. (In several departments, not only Philly). Claims of 'racial profiling' and retaliatory acts were cited.
So, friends, If you're not willing to give up your name; if you're not willing to be a 'witness'; if you don't see the 'actual drugs' on the person; if you're not willing to 'testify'.... 911 can't help you! At the close of my chat with the 35th Police District, I said: "Hmmm, I think I'll open a corner tomorrow!". In anyneighborhood, because this effects every neighborhood and police district in our city.
Bailey, et al effects our freedoms, not those of the criminal element!
Sadly, denizens and miscreants who can barely read, or spell their own name "Know their rights" and taunt us--and cops with "you can't harrass me!". Folks, this is NOT about "Race" or "4th Amendment" rights. This is about safety and quality of life in our community and homes.
So, neighbors, friends, countrymen... WE are screwed! Even calling 911 for those unsupervised, vanadlizing, vagarant, adolescent, angry young men--and 'ladies' hanging out on the corner bodega store after curfew-- 911 can offer little assistance beyond saying "Police will be out as soon as possible" which translates: "When Hell freezes over"!
Crime isn't rampant--yet, but, with more and more misguided maleficents among us...it can only get worse.
So, what to do? Call, email or harrass and hrangue every news media outlet, your City Council person, your State Representative and Senator and even your US Congressperson and US Senator. Let them know "We're Fired Up and We're Just Not Going To take This Anymore!" (Ala Peter Finch).
We cannot, MUST not allow the few to rule over the many. STAND UP-SPEAK UP! Be Counted! Take back your block, your neighborhood; our communities. I Stand with you. We stand with you. Let's arrest the 'Bailey agreement' and revoke its bail. It only locks us up!
For A Better, Safer City,
D. Michael Blackie, Facilitator
Lead Organizer (Co-founder)
Follow me: (T) @GoWestYoungMan1 #ONEFeltonville
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ONE Feltonville - Catch The Vision!
215.239.4769
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