Fort Worth Police Chief: yeah, that fag at the Rainbow Lounge deserved the beat-down

Bar Raid on Stonewall Anniversary

This raid had to have been a premeditated attack on the Stonewall 40th Anniversary.  It can not be a coincidence.  Police Chief Halstead and all his supporters will get lots of anti-gay ammo from  Sacha "gay basha" Cohen's movie "Bruno" this summer.  In the mind of a homophobe, all these  gay exaggerations and stereotypes will fuel  negative feelings toward gays. This will justify the homophobe's attacks, whether verbal or physical.  In other persons, the negative  impressions from "Bruno" will justify voting hate against gays at the polls, whether against a human rights ordinance, employment discrimination, or marriage.  "Bruno" and  trashing and bashing gays will go hand-in-hand.

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by: Pete @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:18:44 AM CDT

Good point about Sasha Cohen

And SHAME on everyone who liked "Borat."  The movie was offensive in its stereotypes of immigrants, Central Asia, etc.  

I was appalled that so many people 'overlooked' that, including some of my gay friends.  

What next - a Sasha Cohen film about how funny people with mental issues are?  How about people with physical disabilities?  Maybe cancer victims?

What goes around...

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by: Gary SF @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:30:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sasha Cohen films = All in the Family

The big concern when All in the Family hit the airwaves was that it would provide ammunition to racists because the main character (Archie Bunker) was a racist.

But it didn't.  The show lampooned racism by exaggerating the racist stereotype and showing the ridiculous situations Archie found himself in.  

And Cohen's films are no different.  In this case, it's exaggerating the gay stereotype and showing ridiculous situations.  That's it.

As far as I'm concerned, the more gay people whine and cry about that movie, the more we validate the stereotype.

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by: xequar @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:22:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The only bigot in All in the Family

was surrounded by non-bigots to reinforce that Archie was a lovable bigot.  Just where in Borat was there reinforcement that the stereotypes are wrong?

As for your comment about gay people complaining and 'validating the stereotype' well, that's your opinion.  Go ahead and believe that.  

But when some fun-loving and lovable fag haters see "Bruno" and later beat the crap out of someone who they think is gay, I'll let them know that, according to you, they got the wrong 'validation' message from the movie.  

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by: Gary SF @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:30:55 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Except that Bruno uses those stereotypes because their already so common

Anyone who beats up someone for being gay is gonna do it wether they see a movie or not. Anyone dumb enough to think Bruno is a serious representation of homsexuality is to dumb to be helped, just like anyone who thinks Kazakhstan is actually in the stone age, has town rapists and punishes bootleggers with crushing.  

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by: penguinsaur @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:56:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

ok, I give up...

Apparently, I didn't get the memo that says it's ok to use stereotypes because THEY ARE "so common."

So saying your response it typical for a 'limp-wristed,' 'lispy drama queen' is fine by you because these are common stereotypes?  I don't think it is appropriate, even done for the sake of humor.  

And beyond that, I am tired of gays and lesbians reduced to stereotypes in the media.  Even "Will and Grace" did this.  

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by: Gary SF @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:22:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

If you cant take the joke then dont watch it

The rest of us will be laughing at the blunt smoking black guy, the whiny jewish mother, the butchy lesbian and other jokes because we realize their jokes.

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by: penguinsaur @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 16:14:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I won't be watching

Unless I have insomnia.

Cohen won't be showing us anything we haven't seen before. From what I've seen of Bruno, he has stolen a lot of gay humor and recycled it for a straight audience. I guess that's not a terrible thing. But, I doubt that LGBT audiences will see anything new.

When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.

- Abraham Lincoln.

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by: Fritz @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 16:53:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

backwards?

I'm not really getting what you mean since in All In The Family, Archie the oppressor, is the stereotype being mocked.

And in Bruno, the marginalized gay, is the stereotype being mocked.

You're comparing from opposite ends of the spectrum. What we need is to make fun of homophobes like All in the Family tried to make fun of the racist. (Whether it pulled it off is another debate.)

Mainly, you need another analogy that makes sense. Uhmm...lets see...using a caricature of a minority to educate people on that minority.

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by: GrrrlRomeo @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:49:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hmmm...

As far as I'm concerned, the more gay people whine and cry about that movie, the more we validate the stereotype.

Does it occur to you that you might not be concerned far enough?

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:18:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I couldn't watch Borat

It was simply bad. It seemed like something a stupid frat boy would make with a Handycam. It was like a bad SNL sketch that went on too long.

Don't give Cohen any ideas, either!

When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.

- Abraham Lincoln.

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by: Fritz @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:26:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Borat was "Anti-Semitic"...But Sasha Baron Cohen is JEWISH!

That is the whole point of his films.

Cohen does things so outrageously offensive in his movies that he gets the REAL bigots to feel comfortable enough to show how hateful they are.  One must realize the nuances of Cohen's tactics to know that he is on OUR side.  Not the bigots'.

In Borat, Sasha Baron Cohen does so many anti-Semitic things, I was shocked and appalled during the movie.  He even sees a cockroach and throws money at it, thinking it is a Jew that has morphed.  How much more offensive can one get?

Yet, after the movie I learned that Cohen (who has a Jewish last name) himself IS JEWISH.  He even said his grandmother in Israel saw Borat and enjoyed it.  

So just like Archie Bunker was made to ridicule Archie for his bigoted ways, Sasha Baron Cohen does the same thing to show how horrible actual bigots are.  Cohen needs to play the stereotypes up to make the bigots feel comfortable telling or showing how they bad really are.

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by: g2k @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 22:55:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I knew that the 'groping' defense would be used...

But I don't see a lot of push back.  Several things need to happen:  The records of all bar inspections by the FW and State police need to obtained and analyzed.  How many in each inspection in all inspections got arrested?  How many in straight bars got arrested? How many got knocked around?  

I don't know much about FW or Texas, but the bars need to be stratified by other demographics - for example one should not consider the most likely unwarranted arrests at an upscale LGBT bar equal to the possibly justified arrests at a bar that caters to ex-cons.  

Also, civil suits need to be filed ASAP. Hit them in the pocketbook.  That will weed out the truly violent cops and the rest can get some type of diversity training.  

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by: Gary SF @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:26:10 AM CDT

Take to the Streets

Are we truly angry or are we simply going to whine and blog?

On the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, a gay bar was raided and the patrons were beaten down and arrested.

Is that enough of a provocation for us to have a radical response?

If not, then I despair of our ever managing to achieve rights

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:40:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A candlelight Vigil

A candlelight vigil for Chad Gibson, the man hospitalized following the police action at the Rainbow Lounge,  is scheduled for tonight from 8:30 to 9:30 P.M.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/ins...

There are also rumors of a July 5th rally at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

I am guessing that there will be some police presence at one or both events, so if you have a problem keeping your hands away from the reportedly nearly-irresistible tushies of Fort Worth policemen, it may be advisable for you to not attend.

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by: Cathy Cat @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:42:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

If the police show up

and later claim they were groped, you could then say they invited it. That they knew gay people would be there, and if they felt that their sweet, sweet uniformed gonads were at risk they should have stayed away.

Wrong place, wrong time, just like they say about women who have the temerity to think they can walk anywhere they want to at night.

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by: Sharoney @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:20:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yeah, we should as the police what they were wearing. . .

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by: Gary SF @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:26:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes, hit them in the $$$$ pocketbook!

That seems to be the only thing that will help change things.

The officers have no reason to have attacked people at the bar.  They are LYING and I hope every person who was at that bar testifies and throws those bastards in jail.  I would not be surprised if they are homophobic.

I love the way the gay councilman is using restraint and not blaming homophobia.  Yet.

But once evidence comes out, I am sure we'll see how that bar raid was not needed.  What the heck are bars raided INSIDE?  What do policemehn hope to accomplish?  Public intoxication ... half the bars are usually filled with drunk people!

The bar was opened recently (2 weeks ago) ... what were they trying to do with this place?  Close it down?

I hope the community fights back hard.  My prayers are with them.

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by: Juan @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 14:11:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This saddents me

I was at the public forum last night and Chief Halstead seemed much more open to moving forward.  I still call upon everyone that was present to contact the Police Department (817-392-4270) and let them know what you saw.  I truly believe they want the truth.

Also there was a statement released last night by the Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission about the incident, which the chief read from.  I tried to get a copy of this release but was told:  The Chief of Police read an excerpt from a draft of a press release that should be finalized and distributed tomorrow, and posted on our website. I will add your e-mail address to our distribution list, and make sure you receive a copy as soon as it is released.

Carolyn Beck
Public Information Officer

The chief said he would like to have a GLBTQ liason officer and hoped that someone would volunteer for that position soon.  

Please also listen to the comments from the forum from last night that were recorded by a friend who was at the forum:  http://tinyurl.com/lh3xqb  

I agree the chief is making some major mistake in this.  I don't think he is culturally aware of the offensiveness of the things he is saying.  He is in a mode of defense and we need to work in a mode where we can work together.  It is time to change the whole tenor of this discussion or we will never move forward.  

We have a right to be angry.  I am very angry.  I spent twenty years in he closet because of crap like this.  But I know that there comes a time when we have to sit down with our enemies and try to at least find peace.  Let's keep up the pressure.  But lets also give them time to try and find some answers and find a solution.  

If they don't find a solution then I say lets increase the pressure.  If we feel that there were civil rights violations then lets get those kinds of lawyers in here to bring pressure.  But let's not just make this a screaming match.  Let's make this a dialogue.

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:49:10 AM CDT

I hope you are right about this, but frankly, after reading the chief's public

statements so far, I have absolutely no confidence in the validity of any internal investigation.

And I take some issue with the idea that, culturally, he has no idea what he is saying to the public. Where the hell did this buffoon get his law enforcment training?

It is extremely difficult for me to believe that the chief, and the officers who are making the outrageous "groping" claim, don't know what they are saying and doing. Dan Savage hit the nail right on the head - and, since one man is still in the hospital with a serious injury, this isn't a peaceful matter. You don't let yourself get beat to a pulp and then sit down with the perpetrator to massage his insecurity and ego in hope that he won't do it again - you kick the unprofessional asshole out of his job.

So the chief wants an liasion with the LGBTQ community NOW? Now why would he even have to "hope" that someone would volunteer to do that? And why the hell is he reading a DRAFT of a press release to the public before it is revised?

I'm sorry - the tone of this man's comments make it clear that the gay community has absolutely no reason to trust the police department. Chad Gibson is covered with plenty of evidence of being assaulted - let the goddamned chief produce the marks left from the alleged "groping" of one of his officers to prove there was an assault on the cops first and they used restraint in beating Gibson down.

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by: kevinbgoode @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:12:55 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Cheif

I agree the chief is making some major mistakes in this investigation.  

His statements about groping, sexuality, etc.  continue to show a total lack of how to communicate with this audience.  

I think we have every right to be angry.  But I also believe we need to help find out the whole story.  Right now everything is being played out in the press.  He said this.  She said that.  Until we get all of this together we won't know what really happened.

Was the event over the board.  YES!  Do we need to hold the TABC and FWPD responsible for their actions?  YES!  But we have to find a way to create a place where we can work together.

We have to educate them on what our community needs and desires from them.  We need to educate them on better how to communicate.  

They need to step up and say, we might have made a mistake and we are looking into it.

As far as reading the statement, I think the chief is trying to get the fire off of his back.  This even, correctly so, has completely turned his office upside down.  But as he correctly states, his officers were assisting the TABC officers so he wants the TABC to be held to the fire also.  I honestly believe that until this "press release" came out, he was feeling left out on his own by the TABC, which should never have happened.  

Now we just need to all see if we can find a place to work to resolve this.  Do I believe that some officers need to be punished?  YES.

We need to keep the pressure up and see what happens.  But we need to also give them time to figure out what happened.  

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:06:08 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

This isn't

about a lack of ability to communicate with an LGBT audience. The problem here isn't the chief's communication skills. It is the beating.

This is a case of someone being beaten so badly that he suffered a brain injury. We're not talking about a cut lip, a a sprained wrist, a twisted shoulder here.

The police, all of them, right up to the chief, are now trying to justify the beating the victim suffered.

If they don't know what happened, maybe, just maybe, they should not start making excuses and trying to justify the beating, immediately?

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by: rfloh @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:40:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Exactly! It is about the beating.

There is NO EXCUSE for beating someone in a bar.

The fact that already the policement is making EXCUSES for his police force tells me they are LYING about the beating.

There is NO EXCUSE for that.

I hope major lawsuits are filed against the police dept.
AND I agree, internal investigations will only be used to cover up their misdeeds.

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by: Juan @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 14:20:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Words matter.

I haven't seen any report that the victim with the brain injury was beaten.  If we can't be accurate in our reports, why should we expect our opponents to be?

And not that I care much, but just for accuracy, it is my understanding that it was the a state Alcoholic Beverage Control agent, not a city police dept. employee, who took down the victim.

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 14:31:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I cant think of many ways to get brain injury at a bar

that dont involve being beaten.

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by: penguinsaur @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 16:16:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I've been pushed to the ground before and hit my head.

I've been slammed against a wall before and the back of my head followed the rest of my body into the wall.  I've gotten drunk and fallen down before and hit my head. Two of these events occurred at a bar.  None involved being beaten.

Why don't you think a little bit more...about words.

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 20:31:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Did you suffer a brain injury that required hospitalisation

in those 2 incidents?

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by: rfloh @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:18:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:25:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Most of us understand what is involved

when we hear that someone has been "beaten," even if we do not know all the facts.  Do you know that the hospitalized victim was beaten? Do you think it is necessary to embellish what we do know at this point?  If so, why?

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by: Pollyanna @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:32:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And people wonder why I truly hate Texas

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 09:58:29 AM CDT

They were attacking a bar....

...that was being used by people they were bigoted against.   Anything an LGBT person might do, no matter how innocuous or innocent, was already deemed "inappropriate" before it could happen.  

With the mentality of the sort of people who would raid gay bars, even complying exactly with an officer would be taken as "inappropriate".

I wonder how much and in what way will right wing functionaries show their appreciation?

Hate stops a beating heart.

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by: KarenS @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:00:43 AM CDT

Excerpted from the current Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code:

Some excerpts I have found so far at http://www.statutes.legis.stat...
[Check out Sections 101.62 and 101.64 under "Miscellaneous Offenses"]

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE

TITLE 4. REGULATORY AND PENAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 101. GENERAL CRIMINAL PROVISIONS

SUBCHAPTER A. PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 101.02.  ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT.  A peace officer may arrest without a warrant any person he observes violating any provision of this code or any rule or regulation of the commission. The officer shall take possession of all illicit beverages the person has in his possession or on his premises as provided in Chapter 103 of this code.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 491, ch. 194, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

Sec. 101.04.  CONSENT TO INSPECTION; PENALTY.  (a) By accepting a license or permit, the holder consents to the commission, an authorized representative of the commission, or a peace officer entering the licensed premises at any time to conduct an investigation or inspect the premises for the purpose of performing any duty imposed by this code.

(b)  A person commits an offense if the person refuses to allow the commission, an authorized representative of the commission, or a peace officer to enter a licensed or permitted premises as required by Subsection (a).  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 492, ch. 194, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 68, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 101.07.  DUTY OF PEACE OFFICERS.  All peace officers in the state, including those of cities, counties, and state, shall enforce the provisions of this code and cooperate with and assist the commission in detecting violations and apprehending offenders.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 492, ch. 194, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

SUBCHAPTER D. MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES

Sec. 101.62.  OFFENSIVE NOISE ON PREMISES.  No licensee or permittee, on premises under his control, may maintain or permit a radio, television, amplifier, piano, phonograph, music machine, orchestra, band, singer, speaker, entertainer, or other device or person that produces, amplifies, or projects music or other sound that is loud, vociferous, vulgar, indecent, lewd, or otherwise offensive to persons on or near the licensed premises.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 495, ch. 194, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

Sec. 101.63.  SALE TO CERTAIN PERSONS.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence sells an alcoholic beverage to an habitual drunkard or an intoxicated or insane person.

Sec. 101.64.  INDECENT GRAPHIC MATERIAL.  No holder of a license or permit may possess or display on the licensed premises a card, calendar, placard, picture, or handbill that is immoral, indecent, lewd, or profane.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 495, ch. 194, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

Sec. 101.70.  COMMON NUISANCE.  (a)  A room, building, boat, structure, or other place where alcoholic beverages are sold, bartered, manufactured, stored, possessed, or consumed in violation of this code or under circumstances contrary to the purposes of this code, the beverages themselves, and all property kept or used in the place, are a common nuisance. A person who maintains or assists in maintaining the nuisance commits an offense.

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by: Cathy Cat @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 16:36:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No one is buying this...

There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY anyone would grope a police officer... NONE! That is such a massive bald-faced lie. The idea that the police chief would believe it and make a public statement supporting it, is extremely disturbing.

Check out this YouTube video from a gay police officer in Northern California who condemns the Fort Worth police:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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by: obtusegoose @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:45:48 AM CDT

Especially during a bar check

When the police are actively searching for some dumb drunk they can haul in anyone with a lick of sense stays on their best behavior and keeps a respectful distance. But not those perverted, sex-crazed homos I guess.

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by: penguinsaur @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:01:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Stay away from P.O.S. Ft. Worth

My advice for anyone that would like to visit Texas...just stay the f*%K away from that piece of shit city called Ft Worth.  Go south to Austin and you will have the time of your life down here. There isnt a damn thing good about that north Texas cowtown dive one bit!  I will argue with anyone point on point why Ft Worth blows.  C'mon down to Austin. Now this is a place you should be.  

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by: texaspigeon @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:07:28 AM CDT

Expressions of support...

are always appreciated.

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by: Cathy Cat @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:03:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Another good reason for us "fags" to carry concealed Weapons...

Please get your semi-automatic registered, take your shooting classes, and apply for a concealed weapons license in your state and join www.pinkpistols.org.

Where are the video tapes from the Rainbow Lounge?  Why haven't they been released on youtube?  What is up with any gay bar owner in a red state that doesn't have video cameras inside and out of their establishment?  Don't they know they are a target for LEO homo haters?

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. - The U.S. Constitution Article IV.Section. 2. Clause 1

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by: Mbarber @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:25:41 AM CDT

A video would have been great

It would allowed a refutation of the charges made by the police of groping and advances, and would have shown how Chad Gibson was treated.

Not sure using a gun in this situation would be a good idea...

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by: Alan71 @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:31:25 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well

Maybe it's not a "GOOD" idea, as such.  But from the repeated crap like this, suffered by members of the GLBT community, other minorities, and Americans at large, it's becoming clear that even the prospect of waking up to job loss and massive civil liability for himself and his department in a suit under 42 USC 1983 isn't doing enough to scare your average homophobic right-wing troglodyte in blue.

Does it take more?

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:27:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Video Cameras

Everyone nowadays should really be carrying around the ability to make video recordings, whether via cell phones, or standalone cameras.

If everyone and anyone has the ability to make a video recording at any moment, bigots and thugs, whether uniformed or not, will start getting their lies challenged and exposed.

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by: rfloh @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:47:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Guns: Dumbest Idea Ever

Shooting an officer would NOT work in our favor.

Guns won't get us any kind of equality. It might save an individual or two in specific situations, but certainly not this one.

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by: GrrrlRomeo @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:03:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

What would have been the result

of someone from a group the police disapprove of so much as having a weapon in a situation like that, let alone suggesting an inclination to use it?  White gay men are certainly less likely than black men of any orientation to face summary execution for being suspected of concealed carry, but I'm not sure I'd want to be the fag with the gun when the police decide to raid a gay bar -- it gives them an even better excuse than gay panic, and it's a social situation where, with or without a police raid, I'd have little chance of a need for a weapon.

Now, "concealed carry" of a video camera, on the other hand...

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by: M @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:07:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Suppose the patrons of the Stonewall

had been armed, and had shot a few of the cops?  Public sentiment would have turned against them overwhelmingly.  And instead of the being remembered as the start of the modern gay rights movement, the events that night would be remembered as a severe stain on our community's character (and I doubt the right wing would let us forget them).

As the regulars here know, I'm no fan at all of Obama's.  But can you imagine him or any president holding a ceremony at the White House to commemorate cop killings?  

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:28:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well

That's a good point, but by the same logic, isn't it amazing enough that so much of "respectable" society commemorates a day like Stonewall, on which homophobic/transphobic cops were even beaten senseless?

Sometimes hateful bastards just deserve what they get, and the spin is for the political and ideological set to handle after the fact.

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Fri Jul 03, 2009 at 03:30:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Please don't draw firearms and point them at police officers

I'm sure that's not what the pinkpistols are advocating because, well, that's the type of thing that Branch Dravidian standoffs are made of.

# Duty, duty -- honor is, is --
Honor, Creideiki -- alertly
# Shared, is -- Honor #

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by: MileHighDawg @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 14:45:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Then they actually WOULD be guilty of a crime...

IIRC, I think Texas Law prohibits carrying weapons into establishments serving alcohol.  (I couldn't find a link, but I grew up there when the law was being debated).

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by: gayjaybird @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 16:38:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You are correct...

Every bar must have a sign posted with this message as well.

It's one smart rule in Texas law!

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by: flyerfier @ Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 15:35:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

In the REAL World

It's not politicians or police chiefs called to HEEL by a few protestors, or even CRAZIER armed gays against well trained police, who can and will blow your f*ckin head off in a NANOSECOND, and get away scott-free.
What changes this sh*t is some well connectd politician's son or daughter gets arrested, or a judge is caught up in a sting, or BIG MONEY in a city decides it is scaring away business.
Contrary to Bible Thumpers belief's, cities WANT HAPPY DOCILE partying dancing fags filling bars and generating TAXES, and them giving sizable campaign donations. Think the MOB ran gay bars for decades, cuz there wasn't money ...bucket loads of money, to be made?

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:35:13 AM CDT

yes

see the Podcast from Monday Night.  There is a very short piece on it.  It is not on the MSNBC site that I could find, but it was on the podcast from itunes.

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:03:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Has Rachel Maddow done any coverage of this story?

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by: JoshMich @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:44:07 AM CDT

yes

see the Podcast from Monday Night.  There is a very short piece on it.  It is not on the MSNBC site that I could find, but it was on the podcast from itunes.

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:04:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

If intrepid I-reporters want to take on Ft Worth Police Dept

WE do it with OUR best skills. EVERY police Dept, has gays and lesbians in their midst, who know ALL the dirty secrets, about who's bashing their wife repeatedly, who's kids are in rehab on meth and any number of drugs these cop's kids get the BEST confiscated DOPE.
Unless they want ALL this stuff leaked anonimously to the WEB, and newspapers, and TV stations, they'll get their Brown Shirts out of OUR clubs.
Investigating some of the straight clubs where EVEN WORSE violations are being IGNORED, wouldn't hurt either. I know a lot of lesbians who are connected in prostitution and strippers, who can slap around the holier than thous, anytime they choose. Unknown gay bartenders, and bar-backs, and waiters, and valets see EVERYTHING too.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 11:56:28 AM CDT

Ft Worth PD

Dirty Laundry, Don Henley
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:24:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"THE FAGGOT BAR"

Police use hate speech "privately" on the job, and this issue needs to be addressed nationwide.  Here in Bellingham, WA, we have heard over police scanners the police dispatch refer to our local gay bar as "THE FAGGOT BAR".

'nuff said.

Decades more of abuse? - OR - Stonewall.  Nationwide.  NOW!

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by: John Bisceglia @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:02:54 PM CDT

Does anyone know...

if those accused of public intoxication had their blood alcohol level tested and specifically Chad Gibson?

I think that if this information were made publicly available it might help shed light on the actions of the SS, I mean Police, officers.

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by: a2audrey @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:20:26 PM CDT

Aren't people....

in bars usually intoxicated?  How is it public intoxication if they went into the bar and arrested them?  

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by: tigergrrldc @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:39:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes

but Texas has a law that allows the police to enter bars (a public place) and arrest people who they feel are drunk.

I had never heard of this law until this event.  I think it is an ignorant law myself.

I talked with a policeman last night at the forum about this very thing.  Of course he assured me that police would use common sense, but I told him this event didn't show a great deal of common sense.

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:48:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Selective enforcement

is one of those particularly obnoxious public habits.  It lets favored groups know that they won't be targeted, while still allowing for targeting of less-popular groups (or individuals) with "neutral" or "non-discriminatory" laws.

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by: M @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:09:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Glad someone said it!

Just like Eden Prairie, MN.  Main roads through town - which, based on their characteristics, would be 40 mph anywhere else in the metro - are 30 mph.

White person goes 37, no problem.  Black or Hispanic person goes 32, holy shit, they call in as much "backup" as they can find.  And good luck taking it to court, because, well, technically, it IS illegal to go 32 in that 30 zone that any sane city would have posted 40.

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Fri Jul 03, 2009 at 03:34:30 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sad but true

It's incidents like this and the one in CA that make passing the hate crimes bill so necessary.  We still can't trust the police to protect us, and in some cases they're the ones we need protection from.

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by: BobbiCW @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 12:21:43 PM CDT

Backgrounds of the cops involved needed

I wrote about this before, but our military and our police agencies have been infiltrated by Christian evangelical  extremists.

They have been proselytizing in the military for years and when many of their converts leave the service, they join a police agency.

If the backgrounds of these gay-bashing cops are revealed, I bet that most of them served in the military during the Bush years and that they belong to Christian evangelical churches.

When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will.

- Abraham Lincoln.

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by: Fritz @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 13:33:00 PM CDT

TABC Press Release

For Immediate Release

July 1, 2009

TABC and FWPD Joint Inspections Result in Multiple Arrests

In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, 2009, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agents and officers from the Fort Worth Police Department, conducted joint inspections of three TABC-licensed locations in Fort Worth to ensure compliance with state alcoholic beverage laws and local ordinances: The Rosedale Saloon located at 150 W. Rosedale, Cowboy Palace located at 160 W. Rosedale, and the Rainbow Lounge located at 651 S. Jennings.

The Fort Worth Police Department arrested 15 individuals for public intoxication, including nine males at the Rosedale Saloon and the adjacent Cowboy Palace, one male at an unlicensed location, and four males and one female at the Rainbow Lounge.

At the Rainbow Lounge, TABC agents placed one individual under arrest, Chad Gibson who was injured while in the agents' custody. Mr. Gibson was released to paramedics for treatment of alcohol poisoning and a head injury and transported to a local hospital.

"We are saddened that this incident occurred and extend our sincere hope that Mr. Gibson recovers quickly," said TABC Administrator Alan Steen. "I have initiated an internal affairs investigation to answer questions about how these locations were chosen, to review the agents' actions, and specifically to establish the facts surrounding Mr. Gibson's injury."

Anyone who witnessed employee misconduct is asked to contact Lt. Andy Pena, Acting Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility, at opr@tabc.state.tx.us or call 512-206-3405. Information about how to file a complaint against a TABC employee, and about agency policy on employee investigations, can be found on TABC's website at www.tabc.state.tx.us.

"I take seriously all allegations concerning inappropriate or illegal behavior by our employees.  We have in the past, and we will in the future, take action against any employee found to have violated agency policy or the law," continued Steen.

TABC conducts approximately 128,000 inspections of approximately 40,000 licensed locations statewide each year, looking for violations of the law. One of the agency's key performance measures is to inspect at least 78.5% of licensed locations each year. During a 12-month period, typically about 96% of licensed locations in Texas are inspected at least once. Licensed locations that have complaints filed against them or previous public safety violations may be visited more frequently.

Contact:  Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer, 512-206-3347

Carolyn Beck
Public Information Officer
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
www.tabc.state.tx.us
512-206-3347
carolyn.beck@tabc.state.tx.us
 

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by: texasman @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 18:14:40 PM CDT

good post texasman

Sounds like someone with God's Own Phone Number, is having a mega fit over this stunt.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 20:22:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Nobody gropes me the minute I walk into a gay bar

I am not really a bar type person.  But whenever I have walked into gay bars, I have NEVER had guys just come up and grope me.  And I was not wearing a cop uniform.  I think gay men would be far less likely to sexually harass cops raiding a gay bar. So this gay panic defense is so stupid it doesn't make sense at all.  

Fort Worth needs to fire the policemen and the police chief for being this hateful of gay people.  I hope the people beaten up and arrested by the cops sue for having their civil rights violated.  I just wish that criminal charges would be filed against cops like this who act in such horrible ways, but that rarely ever happens.

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by: g2k @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:01:20 PM CDT

Yes

You're right - it really does come down to the pervasive stereotypes.  Even my best friend, who proudly identifies as a straight ally, was reluctant to make a quick stop past the local leather bar last New Year's Eve, for fear that every one of its patrons would make a pass at him.

Don't recall how I managed this, but I finally convinced him to pop in for just a couple beers.  Result: "Wow... this is just like New Prague [redneck exurb of Mpls.], only gay."

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Fri Jul 03, 2009 at 03:37:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Update on Chad Gibson, injured in Rainbow Lounge raid

June 28th, 2009
Kristy Morgan, sister of Chad Gibson, just called me to give an update on her brother. Chad is the man who was hospitalized after being thrown to the floor by police during a raid last night on the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth.

Kristy said the initial CAT scan performed earlier today showed little or no damage. However, a second CAT scan performed this afternoon showed that the bleeding in his brain had increased.

"We won't know anything more until tomorrow when they do more tests," she said.

Kristy said Chad has awake today, but that he has no memory of the incident in the bar and that his memor of events today have been spotty. She said he remembers her being there, but that he doesn't remember talking to the doctor this morning, and he doesn't remember visits by some of his friends during the day.

"It doesn't matter who you are or what kind of bar you are in," Kristy said, "none of this should have happened, to anybody. It's excessive force, and it shouldn't have happened."
   http://www.dallasvoice.com/ins...
linked from
   http://www.americablog.com/200...

btw, I noticed Pam's inside scoop on DNC fundraiser not raising 1M was linked by John Aravois

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:14:42 PM CDT

also on AmericaBlog...condemnations pouring in about raid

    http://www.burntorangereport.c...

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:17:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh, let's just watch American Idol(spoken acidly)

A group of members of our community got severely beaten by a police force in an American city.

I dont want an apology for this.
I want justice.

Why in hell are we willing to march for marriage rights but not for the right to not have an illegally inflicted brain injury?

In Fort Worth, the government is no longer our friend.

Do something.
Bash back, grafitti the station, police cars, block roads, whatever....

If we do not, we prove that Rahm Emmanuel is right about us, we will put up with anything in exchange for crumbs


I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 23:49:15 PM CDT

Press Release from State Level Legislative Representatives

Subject: Joint Statement from Sen. Wendy Davis and Rep Lon Burnam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              

CONTACT: Bernie Scheffler

July 1, 2009                                                                                            http://www.facebook.com/l/;512...

Today State Senator Wendy R. Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam issued the following joint statement.

From: State Senator Wendy Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam

Re: Incident at Rainbow Lounge, 651 Jennings Ave., Fort Worth on June 28, 2009

We want to provide you with an update of our response to concerns raised about the actions taken by City of Fort Worth Police officers and Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission agents on the early morning of June 28, 2009 at the Rainbow Lounge, which is located in the Fort Worth portion of the districts that we represent.  We are deeply concerned about eye witness accounts of the events that occurred that morning and intend to activate all possible investigatory methods to learn the truth about those events.

As part of learning as much information as possible about the incident at issue, we requested a meeting with Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission.  As a consequence of that request, today we met with TABC representatives  Joel Moreno, Chief of Field Operations, and Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer.  In that meeting, we made a very detailed request for information regarding the factual events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge on both June 25, 2009, when TABC agents first conducted investigation activity at that location, and on June 28, 2009, when TABC agents returned to that location.  Additionally, we requested detailed information with regard to the TABC agents' compliance or non-compliance with procedures and policies of TABC as those are expressed in the TABC Enforcement Division Policy, Procedures & Forms manual.

It is our hope that through a thorough investigation and analysis of the events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge, particularly in the early morning hours of June 28, our community and those outside our community who have raised concerns, will be able to get the answers they need to their valid questions.  Most importantly, Chad Gibson and his family, for whom we are deeply concerned, deserve answers.

To that end, we intend to make a written request to TABC for answers to the questions raised in the meeting that we held today.  Tomorrow, we will issue a joint letter detailing that request.

Additionally, in order to assure that we and the community at large receive the answers deserved regarding the events of that morning, it is our hope that an objective, outside investigation be made which would examine internal investigation reports of both the Fort Worth Police Department and the TABC, as well as eye witness accounts.  Through such an independent review, truth will be best assured.  Our community deserves to know whether unacceptable actions were taken at the Rainbow Lounge, and, to the extent they did, that the persons responsible for those actions will be held accountable.

###

We appreciate their work and concern on this issue, and we continue to ask for an immediate independent and public investigation of the raid on Rainbow Lounge.

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by: texasman @ Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 00:29:51 AM CDT