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Murphy Martin Commentary
October 13, 2005
"Bourbon Street Bashing"
Last week in this space we saluted
the men and women in blue, those courageous police officers who
worked the many long hours up and down the Gulf Coastal areas
ravaged by Katrina and Rita.
Those keeping the peace--helping those who had lost all their
personal possessions--helping move the elderly and infirm to
safety--doing all those things from Florida to Texas while still
finding time to help those get away from Rita's approaching wrath.
But wouldn't you know--before we could get those compliments out to
the thousands who pulled double shifts, who didn't flee in the face
of need--before they could hear the thanks of their many
appreciative supporters---there was a BASHING ON BOURBON STREET
that became front page news across America and on television the
world over.
Robert Davis is a retired 64-year old schoolteacher. New Orleans
Mayor Ray Nagin was anxious to get his entertainment district up and
running again. Mr. Davis owns property in that area. He went back to
check for the first time what damages had been done to his
properties. He stopped in a restaurant for dinner and afterward
stepped outside to smoke a cigarette.
It gets a little hazy at this point, particularly for Robert Davis.
He was approached by three or more police officers who told him he
was under arrest for public intoxication. Mr. Davis said he has not
had a drink of alcohol in 25-years. When he resisted arrest more
officers joined in the bashing and he was taken to jail. By the way,
a mounted New Orleans policeman conveniently moved his mount into
position to block the camera view of an Associated Press
Cameraman---but not before he got enough footage to reveal what was
taking place. What was taking place was a 64-year old black retired
school teacher was on his back trying to ward off punches from four
white New Orleans policemen.
Mr. Davis said Tuesday he believes the incident, which he will be
fighting in court, is more about post-Katrina chaos than it is about
racism. USA today quoted Mr. Davis saying. "Some people want to make
it a race thing. I don't. That's demeaning to me. "The officers were
charged with battery and suspended without pay and the Justice
Department is investigating to see if Mr. Davis' civil rights were
violated.
During the melee, officers also punched an Associated press
producer, whose proper press credentials were clearly visible, was
bent back over the hood of a nearby car and told to leave the area.
It will take some time for this matter to be settled in court. Trial
date will probably be set later rather than sooner. In the
meanwhile, Mr. Davis said he wondered if he was attacked because of
the way he was dressed. He was wearing shorts, T-shirt and sandals.
Maybe this officer thought he was one of the derelicts on Bourbon
Street.
As I looked at the film coverage of this unfortunate event in New
Orleans, I could not help but recall those television scenes from
the early hours after Katrina leveled the city--those scenes where
some policemen in uniform seemed to be making little or no effort to
stop looting of businesses not far from the spot where Saturday's
BOURBON STREET BASHING took place.
I realize Mayor Ray Nagin is anxious for his beloved Bourbon Street
to be flourishing again---the center of many happy memories for
untold thousands down through the years. But what he saw happen last
weekend I'm sure he had just as soon forget.
Men and women in blue we are still proud of you and your dedicated
service----at least MOST OF YOU!!
Murphy Martin
Your thoughts and comments forwarded to my website will be
appreciated.
e-mail
murphy@murphymartin.com
Previous commentaries:
"Hurricane Aftermath"
"Standing Tall"
"Never a Dull Moment"
"Another Hero Laid to Rest"
"Blame Game"
"Senior Thoughts For the Young"
"Role Model Challenge"
August 18 - "Network News Anchors"
August 11 - "Now All Three Are Gone"
August 4 - "Trust in the Media"
July 28 - "Television Then and Now"
July 21 - "The Mick"
July 14 - "Forty Years and Counting"
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