Columnist Jamala Rogers
The year of 2006 had its fair share of memorable moments and events.
There was the U.S. regime change in November, which was a huge wake-up call to the forces who have abused their power, sought to expand their empire and trashed the Constitution along with our civil liberties. It’s redemption time for the Democrats. Let’s see what they do with the opportunities and confidence the voters entrusted to them.
Peace-loving citizens are preparing for a national rallying day to recognize the deaths of 3,000 U.S. soldiers since the invasion of Iraq. U.S. military policy there is without a genuine purpose and strategy. Tens of thousands Iraqis have become collateral damage as the Bush regime thrusts an imperialist democracy upon their sovereign nation.
Closer to home, despite a well financed campaign, Mayor Slay’s two candidates to the school board bit the dust, just as his two candidates did in 2005. This has derailed his plan to privatize the public schools for his own purposes. His financial backers should be wondering if the mayor is a risky investment because he can’t deliver the goods.
With a school superintendent at the helm who has done more in six months than most supes have in modern history, Slay and his gang are pushing for a state takeover as the next tactic for controlling the school district. A short visit to Wellston schools is a good indicator of a less-than-glowing takeover. If Slay has his way, St. Louis Public Schools would join the ranks of other unsuccessful mayoral or state takeovers that include Chicago, Philly, Newark, Detroit, New York, Cleveland and Washington, D.C.
If only the mayor would use these valuable energies to make the city safe and livable for ALL its citizens. That means creating decent-paying jobs, affordable housing and the other staples that would help to prevent crime, homelessness and other social ills.
No one is saying that the mayor shouldn’t be concerned about the schools. I say let his job performance be so exemplary that it is an inspirational model for other elected officials in the city. Because if his beef with the school board is their lack of performance, maybe citizens need to start asking the state to intervene in the office of the mayor as well as the police chief. Oh, and let’s add the Police Board and the Board of Elections.
In response to the growing abuses of rogue cops, the Coalition Against Police Crime & Repression led a five-year plan that successfully organized the sentiment of residents who wanted a civilian oversight board. Up against the wall yet again, the mayor did what he does best and that is show unrestrained abuse of power by vetoing the Board of Alderpeople’s passage of the bill to establish oversight.
The folks who support police oversight are many of the same citizens who want their police to live within city limits, a demand that was totally disrespected by the mayor and the Police Board when they voted to end police residency.
There is no concealing these truths, that citizens want police accountability and local control of the police. So, the saga will continue.
The bad news with the police department is that it has done nothing to curb racial profiling which has been documented for the last five years. It has hidden or distorted crime statistics. It has tarnished the image and deeds of good cops in order to uphold the blue wall of silence.
The good news is that some cops, like some citizens, are unwilling to take the bad rap. Lt. Steven Harmon recently testified against Detective Michael Tillman, who used a stun gun on a handcuffed suspect. Tillman was fired. Three cheers for good police work!
There are some sobering races that we must prepare for in 2007 – the school board, aldermanic president, etc. We must also keep the fire under the Democrats to make this a safe and livable country for ALL its citizens and for those who are becoming citizens.
Concerned residents must be involved in local, state and federal plans that are shaping our future and determining our quality of life. There are numerous ways to participant in issues that you feel strongly about, whether it is youth development, community empowerment or neighborhood stabilization. Complaining and complacency are known ways to stifle change.
While there are a few happenings this year that I lost no sleep over (like Pluto losing its place in the solar system as a planet), I have nightmares about Katrina survivors, their horrific experiences and their still unmet needs.