If Rome Were Burning, Would You Send the Firemen to Another City?

Tim Bean

9/3/2012

A Modern Nero?

“I would love to know the logic behind that decision to send them there given all that is happening here in Chicago . . . It’s a state of emergency here in Chicago . . .” That is what the Rev. Ira Acree, of the Greater St. John Bible Church, located in Chicago asked/told ABC News earlier today.  Oh, who are the “them” and the “there” that Rev. Acree is referring to?  Well, the “them” are 50 of Chicago’s Police officers, and the “there” is the Democratic National Convention being held in Charlotte this week.  So, the City of Chicago has decided that it is in their best interests to send 50 of their police officers to Charlotte, to attend a political rally – awesome.  Of course I am being facetious, it isn’t awesome at all.

Okay, I have to admit, the 50 of Chicago’s finest have not been sent to Charlotte to waive political banners, and participate in this week’s version of hooplapalooza.  They have actually been sent to aid in security work there at the Democratic Convention, so they are going to be working.  However, given the fact that the “honorable” Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel just days before, made the request for federal agents and U.S. Marshalls to come and assist in trying to squelch the rash of violent crime that has plagued the city of Chicago all summer long, then it does kind of leave one scratching their head as to the wisdom of sending 50 officers to Charlotte.

The city claims that this will not interfere with the day to day policing of Chicago, because these days in Charlotte coincide with these officers’ days off.  Okay, that may be true, but I find it hard to believe that all 50 officers, who also happen to have been trained as “mobile field force officers” for the NATO summit that was held in Chicago earlier this year, that all of them  happen to have the same 4 days off in a row.  Come to think of it, I find it hard to believe that ANY police officer would get 4 days off in a row, without having to take some vacation time, but hey, what do I know?

It isn’t just the Rev. Ira Acree, and I who seem to be at a bit of a loss by the city’s decision to send these officers to Charlotte.  The police union in Chicago is left questioning the wisdom of this decision too.

Well, there are some things that do make “sense” – not really, but for lack of a better word, let’s just go with “sense.”  Rahm, and President Obama are chums, and both claim Chicago as their homes.  Both are of course Democrats, so it would be utterly “irresponsible” of them to not have members of Chicago’s Thin Blue Line assisting with the security detail in Charlotte while their beloved political party holds its massive pep rally.

I mean Mayor Emanuel has already determined that it is more important to try and shut down a chicken shop, because he doesn’t like the CEO’s opinion, rather than actually addressing, and trying to curb the violent crime outburst in the city he has been charged (by the people) with governing.  Yeah, and Nero played his fiddle while Rome burned too.

To me this is just a further example as to how out of touch virtually ALL politicians are.  Their goals’ strike me as not to actually govern responsibly, and be accountable to those who elected them.  Rather they are constantly seeking the next opportunity that could further their careers (if politicking can be considered a legitimate career), enhance their power, and deepen their pockets.  Few of our illustrious elected aristocracy actually spend time governing.  Most of them are on a never ending campaign to keep their pampered fannies in those big cushy government offices that We the People are paying for.

So, I offer my apologies to the city of Chicago for the apparent lack of concern by your elected officials over the plight of your fine city with their decision to send 50 officers out of state.  Just an FYI, there is an election coming up, so, you know . . . I’m just saying.

Don’t look where you fall, but where you slipped.  (African Proverb)