Bratton's Reappointment Raises Other Thorny Issues

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Mayor Antonio Villarraigosa, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, Sheriff Lee Baca and District Attorney Steve Cooley, led the hallelujahs, of course, never touching on [William J. Bratton]'s insensitive, contentious relations with Latinos and Blacks in Boston and New York. Given Los Angeles' demographics, this is a major concern. (All other VIP speakers were Brattonites and included the usual suspects: Attorney Connie Rice, Urban League President Blair Taylor and "Sweet Alice Harris." Some non-VIP speakers expressed serious reservations but were supporting Bratton, nonetheless.)

As this is written, outrage over LAPD officers' brutal Gestapo-like tactics during the immigration rights demonstation in McArthur Park, has not subsided. Bratton says he has "grave concern" about his officers' actions, but adds that his officers "responded to provocation." Such rationalization could set the stage for the officers ultimately not being found culpable, (and therefore, not punishable) for the Mac Arthur park tragedy-four separate investigations are currently underway).

Bratton is certainly ultimately responsible for the ensuing melee. Innocent demonstrators and television and print media (English and Spanish) people were struck with batons, pushed and shot with rubber bullets in violation of department policy. Hopefully, these atrocities (and investigations) will derail Bratton's immediate reappointment, offering a broader, more inclusive perspective on Bratton's effectiveness for his Black supporters. Hopefully, they will closely monitor the investigations.

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Bratton's Reappointment Raises Other Thorny Issues

The Los Angeles Police Commission's special meeting on the reappointment of Police Chief William Bratton was a slam-dunk. Politicians and pundits paraded to the microphone exalting Bratton's leadership and urging he be given a second five-year ter...

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