by Jack Epner

Created on: October 25, 2009

In Chicago, not all that long ago, an officer coming on duty rushed to a melee (after showing up for the shift late) at the CTA station at 95th/Dan Ryan. If you know Chicago, you know this CTA station is not in the nicest of neighborhoods. But prejudices aside, whatever happens must be dealt with as it happens. In other words, you can't bring your prejudice to work - only maybe keeping in mind it is helpful to be more aware of your surroundings here. But caution was thrown to the wind as the officer tried to break up the fight.

Apparently someone called the officer a name. How did he respond? By drawing a loaded gun. In pulling a man off someone else, and then arguing with this man, he chose to discharge his pistol into the man's skull at point blank range.

Months went by. Nothing done about the incident. However, thanks to YouTube, a surveillance camera at the station that had caught this on film was uploaded to the site. Public outrage ensued. There seemed to be no reason the officer should have drawn his weapon in the first place. Finally, an investigation was launched.

The officer continued work on the streets during this entire time. But when it came time to testify, under oath, as to his actions, the officer openly admitted he had no reason at the time of the incident to have discharged his weapon. In other words, he admitted under oath that he had committed murder. What happened? Jail time? Job loss? No. Two weeks of suspension and back to work. The mayor even supported this.

Corruption in Chicago has reached new lows. When an officer of the law can admit to murder and simply walk away from it, we have a real problem. I am glad to say I no longer live in Chicago. This is one of many incidents that happened in a short span of time. There were many cases where off-duty officers beat people, and another case where two officers raped a man in an alley.

Frankly, I think it's time people were held to 'some' sort of moral standard. And on a personal note: As much as I supported most of your ways and policies for my tenure in Chicago, having left and seen the quality of life elsewhere, I'd like to say, "Daley, go f#$% yourself."

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