"I might have tacos when I go home...."

DrPhil · #1 01-25-2012, 07:47 AM

The story:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNN.com

The FBI has arrested three East Haven, Connecticut, police patrol officers and one sergeant for their alleged role in the mistreatment of Latinos -- the first arrests to stem from a federal investigation into racial profiling in that town.

The men allegedly threatened and assaulted detainees, made false arrests -- including one against a local clergy member -- and later conspired to cover up evidence of their conduct by falsifying reports and blocking an investigation, prosecutors said Tuesday during a news conference in Bridgeport.

Sgt. John Miller and officers David Cari, Dennis Spaulding and Jason Zullo were arrested early Tuesday for allegedly conspiring to "injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate various members of the East Haven community," profiling residents during traffic stops, performing illegal searches and harassing Latino business owners and their advocates, according to the indictment.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/24/justic...sts/index.html

What is also catching the headlines on CNN and other media outlets:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNN.com

When asked what he would do for the Latino community on Tuesday, Maturo said, "I might have tacos when I go home, I'm not quite sure yet."

*****
The mayor tried to blame the media for catching that quote and tried to say it was a moment's lapse caught on camera. Whatever. As Roland Martin said this morning on "Starting Point" (hosted by O'Brien), this is the mayor who is supposed to represent the people. RECALL...RECALL.

I also agree with Roland Martin's take on racial profiling. Racial and ethnic minorities, especially those who live in certain areas and especially men, tend to have a different level of nervousness when they see police. It is about more than fear that you were caught in a traffic violation and will now be given a ticket.

AOII Angel · #2 01-25-2012, 09:38 AM

Oh yeah...it's the media's fault for reporting when you make a dumb*ss comment.

AlphaFrog · #3 01-25-2012, 09:53 AM

Mayor Maturo's name sounded Latino, so I looked him up. Apparently after the taco comment, he went on to say he might have spaghetti since he's Italian (wouldn't Giada be proud). So yeah, wrong kind of Latino, but what a moron.

DrPhil · #4 01-25-2012, 04:06 PM

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...-draws-outrage

“My sincerest apologies go out to the East Haven community and, in particular, the Latino community for the insensitive and off-collar comment that I made to WPIX reporter Mario Diaz yesterday regarding the recent events affecting our community and our police department,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, I let the stress of the situation get the best of me and inflamed what is already a serious and unfortunate situation. I regret my insensitive comment and realize that it is my job to lead by example.“

*****
People say and do stupid things when under stress and feeling threatened. Duh. The problem is when those in power say and do stupid things not only because they are under stress but because they think they CAN. Moreover, it is problematic when there are no safety nets to buffer the potential outcomes of the stupidity of those in power.

amanda6035 · #5 01-25-2012, 06:03 PM

I seriously thought this thread was going to be about that PruneTacos guy....

amIblue? · #6 01-25-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amanda6035

I seriously thought this thread was going to be about that PruneTacos guy....

shudder

DrPhil · #7 01-27-2012, 07:52 AM

Activists Send 500 Tacos to Connecticut Mayor After Controversial Comment

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012...ersial-remark/

You want tacos, here are your tacos.

AOII Angel · #8 01-27-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Activists Send 500 Tacos to Connecticut Mayor After Controversial Comment

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012...ersial-remark/

You want tacos, here are your tacos.

I came to post a similar story! Up to 2000 tacos have been sent to his office. Love it!

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/20...ve-tacos-mayor

AlphaFrog · #9 01-27-2012, 02:28 PM

OMG...free food. How terrible, he must be devastated.

Seriously, unless they're cardboard tacos or something, you're not really putting him out giving him a free fiesta for his whole office.

It did make me think of his second comment about spaghetti and the iCarly spaghetti taco thing.

DrPhil · #10 01-27-2012, 02:44 PM

This is more than just free food. Hundreds of platters of tacos delivered by community activists and pissed community members with reporters following them is an inconvenience. That is why the mayor's office has released a statement.

The food is being donated to homeless shelters instead of being used for the mayor's gluttonous hobbies.