http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/06/30/fort-worth-police-chief-that-faggot-had-it-coming Comments On: Fort Worth Police Chief: That Faggot Had It Coming by Dan Savage en-us Copyright 2009 The Stranger. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, The Stranger readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact The Stranger. webmaster@thestranger.com (The Stranger Webmaster) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 -0800 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:30:00 -0800 Foundation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
If they were all dead, this would never have happened! :-)

You people [liberals and homos] all make me sick! You really need to commit mass suicide or something... Really, you would think in this day and age science would of come up with a cure for the gay disease (mental disorder).

Thanks! :-D
Posted by HappyMan]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:35:03 -0700 The Stranger
Regards, Sildenafil
Posted by Marlena]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:40:46 -0700 The Stranger I wouldn't be surprised if the cops get off with a slap on the wrist...disgusting"

I'm from Denver and very insulted by this. Maybe this applied to rural Colorado (much like any state, including Washington and Oregon), but Denver (and Boulder) are both very progressive cities and given the combined metro areas contain half of the state's population your ignorant generalization is very unfounded.

And don't ever lump us in with the south and Texas.
Posted by ddenver]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:58:44 -0700 The Stranger
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

7/14/2009
FORT WORTH, TX -
Chief Appoints Interim Liaison
Today during the City of Fort Worth Pre-Council meeting Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey W. Halstead announced his appointment of an interim liaison to the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender community. Officer Sara Straten stepped forward after learning of the chief's request for a volunteer to serve the GLBT community in a liaison role. Officer Straten is a 17-year veteran and has served in previous assignments such as patrol, North Division Crime Response Team, East Division Zero Tolerance Unit, the Gang Unit, and the Training Division as a background investigator. She is currently assigned to the North Division as a Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) serving the Fossil Creek, Summerfields, and Arcadia Park neighborhoods. Her duties will now include being a liaison to the GLBT community which means attending meetings, events, functions, etc... and being a direct conduit to the chief's office.
Officer Straten will act in an interim capacity enabling the police department to evaluate and search for possible funding for a full-time position at which time Chief Halstead will seek input from various community leaders to ensure their involvement in the selection process.
"We've acted with urgency to quickly bridge the communication gap between the police department and the GLBT community. Our intent is to move forward in establishing a new relationship that consists of mutual understanding and respect." Chief Halstead
Officer Straten will be available at tonight's city council meeting to answer questions.

For additional information, or to download any included attachments for this post, please login to the FWPD Public Information Portal at: http://www.fortworthgov.org/applications…

I'm not saying it's enough, but I am saying that they're taking steps to acknowledge the disconnect between the LBGT community and the hetero community.

My prayers are with Chad, even though he's doing better. It should never have happened.
Posted by Lynda]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:57:52 -0700 The Stranger
You've proven that you don't understand the severity of clots in the brain or how delicate cerebral tissue is. Gibson was on his potential deathbed.

Do we really not know what we're talking about? Cause it seems like we aren't alone in reporting this story.

http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2…
http://www.towleroad.com/2009/07/chad-gi…
http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?sto…
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/…
Posted by Disgusted Wolverine]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:10:12 -0700 The Stranger
Chad Gibson is not on his death bed but is in fact, home from the hospital. It's interesting that originally, there were threats of lawsuits from Mr. Gibson but now he's backed off from the idea. Maybe someone let him know he would have to tell the truth about what REALLY happened if he had to testify.

There are and will be several investigations by different agencies. Let's see what they discover before we pass judgement on these law enforcement officials.

Oh, and by the way, I AM a GAY man in Fort Worth, Texas.
Posted by Rainbow Cowboy]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:15:59 -0700 The Stranger
As far as the police go..they shame the badges they wear..and they should be removed!!!

Anne-Marie

Canada
Posted by Anne-Marie]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:19:23 -0700 The Stranger I believe this passage says it all......
You can safely assume that you've created god in your own image, when it turns out that God hates the same kind of people you do!
Posted by buffettfan05]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:14:31 -0700 The Stranger
What I find equally disgusting is the general reaction that some commentators here have regarding the general population of the city and state. I have lived here in North Texas for 40+ years. Yes, there are those among us that are intolerant of others; I have known some who are intolerant, judgmental, bigoted, racist, homophobic, anti-Semite, and whatever other group you can throw in there .... I have no tolerance for these people and as soon as I realize I have someone like that in my personal life, I expel them as quickly as I realize they are there, like stepping on a roach running across the floor. However, not everyone who lives in Texas is a redneck homophobe.

In my observation of the comments, what I am seeing from many of commentators is exactly what I described in the previous paragraph. Only in many cases, it is directed toward Texas and Texans. I am a Texan, and do not fit the mold of ANY of the hate-filled, judgmental comments made about us. Why are there so many attacks on someone’s faith? Or where they live? Or if they are straight? Or education? Why is one set of bigoted, judgmental behaviors wrong, while the others are justified? I just do not get double standards...

My thoughts are that every bar, gay or straight, should have surveillance equipment... we all have video camera phones now anyway so that should not be a big deal to anyone. The video should be digitally archived off-site so no one can 'confiscate' the recordings (easy to do with broadband these days). And patrons and LEOs are made aware that the premise is being recorded... Inside and out... Such awareness may make others, patrons and LEOs, think before acting inappropriately.

Bottom line, if the FWPD is found negligent, then the officers involved in this incident need to lose their job, and their commission, and the right to carry a weapon. Just firing them is not sufficient. They need to NEVER be able to be a police officer again.

My prayers go to Chad, his family, his friends, and our community… there needs to be a lot of healing, but, yes it is cliché considering the timing, as the Michael Jackson song title implies, look at the man, or woman, in the mirror to start making changes. This is true for everyone.
Posted by NorthTxan]]> Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:51:40 -0700 The Stranger Posted by spoc605]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:26:39 -0700 The Stranger Posted by dsk12660]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:54:26 -0700 The Stranger Posted by Seeker]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:57:28 -0700 The Stranger
I have to work at a somewhat gay bar, and from what I can tell. The super drunk gay guys get pretty grabby. I have nothing against gayness, AT ALL! And minor assault isn't something to justify sending someone to the hospital for in my book. But throw in some angry self concious Texans, and you never what you can get.


Posted by former tri-state]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:52:44 -0700 The Stranger
You guys can drop District 6 Councilmember (Jungus Jordan) from your future emails and mails b/c he fully supports the independent investigation.

I guess we could all email/mail him with Thanks, though, as well as Joel Burns and the other Councilmembers supporting the investigation.


Posted by bwear]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:52:48 -0700 The Stranger
There is a built in conflict of interest in law enforcement. The FWPD is beholden to the criminal defense lawyers for petty criminal offenses who rely on the PD for "business". The Judges, PD and Lawyers are in a triangular relationship which relies on these bogus arrests for "income". Consequently an investigation can only be conducted by the DoJ which is questionable since they also have a vested interest in not disrupting the steady, orderly flow and application of "the law".

I was arrested by the FWPD for "public intoxication" which was just an excuse to "generate income" for the triangular system of fraud. I told the Police Officer I was going to file a Federal Racketeering lawsuit against him, the department and the Judge (the county judiciary) and would dismantle their fraudulent operation. He tried to intimidate me by pointing to the camera inside his vehicle and saying, "You're comments are being recorded". I said, "Good, I want the Police Chief and the Judge to see this tape so they know based on your actions and this fraudulent arrest, I am going to haul them into Federal Court under federal racketeering law, Civil R.I.C.O. alleging damages beyond their ability to pay. Needless to say, even though I was compliant and orderly on the way to jail and in jail I got roughed up pretty bad (civil rights violations) for my comments. A Judge was called in, in the middle of the night and asked me to enter a plea which was not guilty. I was released on the spot and waited for the summons for trial. You guessed it. Now all records of the arrest, and my plea of not guilty etc has disappeared and no summons ever came in the mail. So you see entire thing (arrest) was a complete scam to generate income for a bunch of greedy racist (anti gay) chronic underachieving frauds.

Posted by FWRANT]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:05:06 -0700 The Stranger Posted by Milk]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:25:51 -0700 The Stranger Posted by Phill]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:31:11 -0700 The Stranger
Replace the label GAY with the label JEW and the entire western world would be in an uproar. One Jewish organization after another would threaten a boycott of Dallas/Fort Worth as conference centers for professional organizations (physicians, lawyers, teachers, librarians, etc.).

And what do we get? No apology from the police chief and a lecture from the local newspaper, the fairly influential FW Star Telegram. By throwing in a few crumbs, the Public Relations Dept. knows only too well that time will probably work in their favor with gay people being grateful that a little education program may get started some time in the future, and then it’s back to a subtler form of homophobia.

The local press has much to answer for. Imagine the following editorial in the Star Telegram:

“The Police Department informed THE STAR OF DAVID Lounge management in advance that an inspection would take place the night of PASSOVER. Why didn’t the managers educate the officers about the date’s significance? That’s need-to-know information for uniformed law enforcement officers showing up at a JEWISH bar on that date.

It’s also need-to-know for any JEWISH bar patron that laying a hand on a police officer will result in a quick trip to jail.

Drinking to the point of intoxication is a crime even in a bar. Officers tasked with enforcing alcohol laws must make sure local and state statutes are observed regardless of the date on the calendar, PASSOVER OR NO PASSOVER. The residents of Fort Worth who share the streets with bar patrons throughout the city expect as much.

Law enforcement officers also must follow agency procedures to make sure inspections are conducted professionally and legally.

Why would a police supervisor, six officers and two TABC agents knowingly risk their own careers, the reputations of their departments and a public relations nightmare WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY by engaging in targeted or overly aggressive enforcement against a RELIGIOUS minority group? We’re not sure they would, but as we said, there are more questions than answers at this point.”

Excuse me while I go throw up my breakfast–INDEED.

For the original editorial from the Star Ledger, identical with mine, except for the Jewish references, courtesy of Mark Reed, posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 7:27 am, click here:

http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2…

Posted by Socrates]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:02:08 -0700 The Stranger
Thank you for your email concerning the unfortunate incident at the Rainbow Lounge. I have called for a complete and thorough investigation of this matter, and that all findings be formally reported to the full City Council.

Fort Worth has earned its well-established reputation as a community where all people are treated with respect. We pride ourselves on our active practice of the "Golden Rule" because we sincerely believe and adhere to the principles of individual liberty and common courtesy.

I firmly believe that ours is the finest, best-trained professional police department in the world, and any violation of civil rights by any citizen or employee will not be tolerated. Chief Halstead has guaranteed the citizens and Council this investigation will be handled in full compliance with the highest standards of conduct, civil rights and integrity.

I personally assure you that my fellow Council Members and I will insist upon the thorough scrutiny of this incident, and fully evaluate all the facts before issuing any official rulings.

Again, thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely,
Jungus Jordan
Council Member
City of Fort Worth
District 6
Posted by lynda]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:15:31 -0700 The Stranger
Kim
Posted by kim Justo]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:51:05 -0700 The Stranger
Kim
Posted by kim Justo]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:51:02 -0700 The Stranger
The only facts listed in the article are that the police came into the bar and some people ended up being injured. Police say a man hit his head outside, author ASSUMES the injury happened intentionally based ONLY on his own personal bias. Not a single piece of evidence exists to show that the injury was caused by anything other than what the officer said happen. Unless a security video or a camera phone or ANYTHING is provided to show that the officers are lying, then to actually write a post claiming something else happened is among the poorest of tastes and the reason why today's young writers are so often not taken seriously. Extremism in support of gay rights is still extremism, and making assumptions of the innocent (if they are innocent of course, but nothing exists to show otherwise) only widens the rift. The author sounds just as hateful of straight people as anti-gay extremists are of the gay community.

Horrible articles like this are what further pushes apart the two communities. When an assumption can be made about gay people OR straight people, then we're faced with biased information that can't be relied upon. The ACLU needs to stay waaaaay the heck back unless FIRST something can be provided to show that the accusations of the writer are true, to do otherwise would be nothing other than intentionally creating a rift in order to garner attention, which never sides well with the accuser in the long run. If the Chief actually made the comments the author claimed the Chief was thinking (while in extremely poor editorial taste putting the assumption in actual QUOTES for god's sake!), then I'd be all over that Chief. But the fact remains that he NEVER made that comment, it was a thought bubble the author assumes the Chief was thinking without any reason to make that assumption.

Yes, gay people touch police officers inappropriately when police enter gay bars. I've witnessed it on more than one occasion. Guess what? Gay people are just regular people too, and drunk people do stupid things like grope strangers and tease cops. I've seen this happen to cops in gay bars, and I've seen it happen in straight bars. Anyone who claims that this never happens is stereotyping an entire group of people.

Here's the facts, ALL of the known facts. Police enter gay bar for inspection, people end up injured. Police make complaint of drunk people inappropriately making advances on them, something that DRUNK PEOPLE HAPPEN TO DO. Most serious injury, police claim man hit his head outside when they were trying to arrest him.....and that is ALL of the information. Not a single piece of actual known data suggests this had anything to do with the people in the bar being gay. Not a single piece of actual known data suggests that the Chief is against gay-rights. And that's it, the rest of the writing was all filler, assumptions and delusions on the part of someone who tries to gain support by making false and wild accusations against people without probable cause. Prove assault from the officers, do something about it. Prove it had to do with the people being gay, then do something about it. Otherwise, stop making assumptions and only making yourself out to be an extremist biased instigator.
Posted by Beckwolf]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:07:39 -0700 The Stranger
To:
fwpdweb@fortworthpd.com, District3@fortworthgov.org, District4@fortworthgov.org, District5@fortworthgov.org, District6@fortworthgov.org, District7@fortworthgov.org, mike.moncrief@fortworthgov.org
Bcc:
Joel.Burns@fortworthgov.org

As a lesbian who happily, and safely, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall in my hometown of New York, I'm horrified that the same shit is happening, just in a different part of the country.

I agree with the owner of the Rainbow Lounge that these men who were assaulted probably didn't sexually molest the officers. Most gay people are at least a little wary of cops, why deliberately put ourselves in danger?

In any case, it's a flimsy excuse for attacking a man in such a brutal way that he is in intensive care and might die. This is not his fault, not gay people's faults. This is the fault of the people who did this to him, the police who arrested and attacked people who weren't doing anything wrong.

If the police department of Fort Worth doesn't want to have thousands of activists ramming this point home, just take responsibility. Discipline those officers who assaulted citizens. Apologize to Chad Gibson and his family when he recovers (I hope) and pay for his medical bills.

The world isn't the same as it was 40 years ago. When the same thing happened at Stonewall, pretty much only gay people in New York knew about it. Now, this news is all over the country and gay people aren't used to being treated like 3rd class citizens anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if public opinion turned against the mayor if he doesn't do the right thing here. Mayor Moncrief, listen to the people and your conscience, and speak out against police brutality in the gay community.

Councilmembers, stand with Joel Burns, your colleague, against hatred and violence. If any of you call yourself religious, ask yourself if God wants his creations almost killing each other over this. It's an easy answer. Now do the right thing.

Saddened but hopeful for humanity,
Leonora Stein
Brooklyn, NY
Posted by Brooklyngirl]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:09:10 -0700 The Stranger Posted by frodojrr]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:51:44 -0700 The Stranger Posted by iactuallycare]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:33:33 -0700 The Stranger