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Online Insults Lead to Calls for Inquiries of N.Y.C. Police

posted Dec 8, 2011, 6:18 AM by Organizing Brooklyn Communities Inc ‎(OBC)‎

Politicians and officials criticized the New York Police Department on Tuesday and called for investigations by an independent agency rather than the department’s own Internal Affairs Bureau after the release of questionable and racist comments on a Facebook group page “No More West Indian Day Detail” in which had been followed by as many as 1,200 people regarding the annual West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn. The postings, which has since been removed from the website, included language referencing the revelers as "animals" and "savages"; one post suggested, "drop a bomb and wipe them all out." These comments come out in the wake of other concerning statements and actions from NYPD officers, including a racially motivated arrest on Staten Island in April where an officer said he "fried another n-----", as well including charges against eight officers accused of gun smuggling and against 16 others accused of ticket fixing. Once publicized, the group’s language was quickly condemned.
“There’s a problem that needs to be fixed,” said Jumaane D. Williams, City Councilman. “We can’t address the problem if no one wants to admit that the problem’s there,” said Mr. Williams

“Disgusting,” the city public advocate, Bill de Blasio, said.

“Reprehensible,” said the Manhattan borough president, Scott M. Stringer.

“Racist,” said the Brooklyn borough president, Marty Markowitz.

“I don’t believe there is a clear message coming from the top that this behavior is unacceptable,” Letitia James, a Brooklyn council member, said.

Especially among some minority officials, who have faulted policies like “stop-and-frisk” searches as unfairly aimed at their members, “Somebody is not doing the job that needs to be done,” N. Nick Perry, a Brooklyn assemblyman who is chairman of the state’s Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, said in a statement.        

How Would YOU Spend $1 Million of the City's Money?

posted Dec 7, 2011, 3:52 PM by Organizing Brooklyn Communities Inc ‎(OBC)‎   [ updated Dec 7, 2011, 4:02 PM ]

For the first time in New York City, and only the second time ever in the United States, you will be able to take part in your democracy in a whole new way and directly shape the decisions that impact your life. The 45th District, along with three other council districts around the city, will be starting a participatory budgeting process, and we want you to get involved!

In participatory budgeting, residents of the 45th District will directly decide how to spend at least $1 million, which Council Member Jumaane D. Williams from his capital budget. Local residents will come together in public meetings to discuss local priorities and design specific infrastructure projects to address the needs of our community.


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