Boston policeman may be fired for racial slur

[ejr]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/30/gates. ... index.html

OK, we can argue all we want about the Gates incident and the nuances of it, but when you use the language that this cop apparently used, it seems to be that there is no nuance that can or should get you off the hook.

[C-Dawg]

Despite the officer saying he isn't...he is a racist bigot and should be fired. I'm all for freedom of speech and freedom of expression, but when you have a job such as his, there is no room for views like his.

[East Texas Parrothead]

We still have a long way to go.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Despite the officer saying he isn't...he is a racist bigot and should be fired.

Agree. 100% People who are not racists or bigots do not use words like that.

[Nighthawk]

If he does get fired. I would hate to be in the Boston area when all the riots happen.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

If he does get fired. I would hate to be in the Boston area when all the riots happen.

I don't think there will be riots. He's been suspended and there's no one marching the streets over it, so don't see why there'd be anything happen. Besides, how can right-minded people defend what he said?

I also just caught the fact that the officer is 36 years old. He can't even claim youthful indiscretion on this (even though that's no excuse). The man is a bigot at best, a racist at worst, and has no place on a police force.

[lati2d]

Despite the officer saying he isn't...he is a racist bigot and should be fired. I'm all for freedom of speech and freedom of expression, but when you have a job such as his, there is no room for views like his.

Agreed.

[flyboy55]

I think he should be turfed from the Boston Police Department, after due process of course.

For that matter, maybe he should be turfed from the Guard. He shouldn't be wearing any kind of uniform that allows him to draw a paycheck from the government. Although if they tried to clean up some military organizations based on this criteria, they'd end up very short staffed at the 'pointy end'.

[chippewa]

Quite often when someone has to say "I'm not a racist", you can bet they just said or did something that proves otherwise.

[East Texas Parrothead]

I think he should be turfed from the Boston Police Department, after due process of course.

For that matter, maybe he should be turfed from the Guard. He shouldn't be wearing any kind of uniform that allows him to draw a paycheck from the government. Although if they tried to clean up some military organizations based on this criteria, they'd end up very short staffed at the 'pointy end'.

I think I read that the guard has suspended him, too.

I read the text of the e-mail. Egads.

[MammaBear]

Let me ask this...did he use the Police dept computers or email addresses? Did he post the email on the wall of the police locker room? or in his patrol car? Did he ever imply that he was speaking on behalf of the Police dept? If so, then yes, the department has every right to take action.

I believe this guy is a racist; however, the first amendment kicks in here...I am not so sure he should loose his job. To say "this goes beyond the first amendment" is a bit of a strange statement...I did not realize the constitution outlines the parameters in which the "freedom of speech" must fall.

Bad judgement? yes.... Racist? yes...... A basis for being relieved of his gun and badge and face disciplinary action? not so sure......

Perhaps some of the law enforcement out there can shed some light...........

[The Remittance Man]

I believe this guy is a racist; however, the first amendment kicks in here...I am not so sure he should loose his job. To say "this goes beyond the first amendment" is a bit of a strange statement...I did not realize the constitution outlines the parameters in which the "freedom of speech" must fall.

The First Amendment bars the government from curtailing free speech. It does not apply to one's employer, so if the guy's comments reflect badly upon the BPD, I think it's valid and appropriate for them to fire him.

[rich_big]

I read this today. It blows me away what a stupid thing to do. Does it not cross his mind that this *might be* a sensitive topic right now?

[SchoolGirlHeart]

I think I read that the guard has suspended him, too.

I read the text of the e-mail. Egads.

The Guard did suspend him.

Where did you see the email? Anyone got a link?

[East Texas Parrothead]

I think I read that the guard has suspended him, too.

I read the text of the e-mail. Egads.

The Guard did suspend him.

Where did you see the email? Anyone got a link?

Hang on a second. I'll find it.

And check your PM.

[East Texas Parrothead]

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/loc ... ail_072909

[MammaBear]

I believe this guy is a racist; however, the first amendment kicks in here...I am not so sure he should loose his job. To say "this goes beyond the first amendment" is a bit of a strange statement...I did not realize the constitution outlines the parameters in which the "freedom of speech" must fall.

The First Amendment bars the government from curtailing free speech. It does not apply to one's employer, so if the guy's comments reflect badly upon the BPD, I think it's valid and appropriate for them to fire him.

My guess is that many people (include BPD officers) have done things that would reflect badly on their employer (just check the PWI thread!!) and have not been fired since what they said/did was not this high profile. I believe the BPD and the Guard are afraid of not taking action....I am still not sure it is the correct action.

With all that being said, I think the guy should be fired on the basis of sheer stupidity!!!

[SchoolGirlHeart]

I believe this guy is a racist; however, the first amendment kicks in here...I am not so sure he should loose his job. To say "this goes beyond the first amendment" is a bit of a strange statement...I did not realize the constitution outlines the parameters in which the "freedom of speech" must fall.

The First Amendment bars the government from curtailing free speech. It does not apply to one's employer, so if the guy's comments reflect badly upon the BPD, I think it's valid and appropriate for them to fire him.

My guess is that many people (include BPD officers) have done things that would reflect badly on their employer (just check the PWI thread!!) and have not been fired since what they said/did was not this high profile. I believe the BPD and the Guard are afraid of not taking action....I am still not sure it is the correct action.

With all that being said, I think the guy should be fired on the basis of sheer stupidity!!!

I can't speak for BPD but I can speak for the military. There is no tolerance for the racist (and misogynistic, for that matter) filth spewed out in that email. High profile or not, if an email with this content came to light the military member who wrote it would be under investigation...

[ejr]

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/loc ... ail_072909

OK, 1/4th of it was about all I could stomach.

No way should an individual with those beliefs, and that temperment be carrying a gun and representing the law. He is entitled to his beliefs, but the city of Boston does not have to allow those beliefs on their payroll.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/loc ... ail_072909

Absolutely astonishing.... I'm not enough of a Pollyanna to think this doesn't go on but I'm astonished someone who is a Boston Police Officer and a Captain in the National Guard would think it was okay to generate and send such garbage.