Tag

Defund The Police

All articles tagged with #defund the police

AOC Reframes the Woke Era, Signals a Centerward Pivot
politics12 days ago

AOC Reframes the Woke Era, Signals a Centerward Pivot

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is reframing her pre-pandemic, progressive-era stance by calling the so-called “Woke 1” period “crazy” and nudging her rhetoric toward the center as she weighs a potential presidential bid, while past comments on policing, decarceration, immigration, and inclusive language are scrutinized; the shift is seen by some as smart political recalibration for broad appeal, but could risk alienating core progressive supporters, with other Democrats similarly softening controversial positions.

Backpedaling on Defund Threatens Abolition Organizing
politics16 days ago

Backpedaling on Defund Threatens Abolition Organizing

The piece argues that AOC, Mamdani, and Ossé publicly retreating from defund-era stances risks undermining abolitionist organizing, emphasizing that abolition is a long-term strategy to reduce carceral violence rather than a feeling-based label; it cites Ruth Wilson Gilmore on crime driving prison growth and highlights how organizers have adapted messaging (e.g., Raleigh) to educate communities and maintain momentum, warning that demonizing abolitionist demands jeopardizes activists and electoral efforts.

Woke 1.0 divides the left as Francesca Hong runs for Wisconsin governor
politics22 days ago

Woke 1.0 divides the left as Francesca Hong runs for Wisconsin governor

Vox uses Francesca Hong’s Wisconsin campaign and her comments on Thanksgiving and policing to illustrate a broader left‑wing split over whether identity‑focused social justice should drive strategy or if economic, broadly popular policies should take precedence. The piece notes Bernie Sanders’s hesitation to endorse Hong and echoes calls from some on the left to downplay “defund/abolish the police” rhetoric (as in Zohran Mamdani’s approach) while others insist those causes remain central. Hong says her views on policing have strengthened and she does not intend to abolish the police, though she avoids a hard disavowal of abolition as a long‑term goal, highlighting tensions over messaging and strategy within the Democratic socialist wing.

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Latte Liberals' for Disconnect with Communities
politics1 year ago

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Latte Liberals' for Disconnect with Communities

MSNBC's Al Sharpton criticized 'latte liberals' for speaking on behalf of people they don't engage with, arguing that some Democrats aim to lead those they don't like. He emphasized that the civil rights movement seeks to correct, not overthrow, the system. Sharpton's comments were in response to a New York Times column by Maureen Dowd, which discussed the Democratic Party's struggles with identity politics and the negative impact of 'defund the police' messaging. The discussion highlighted the party's perceived elitism and its alienation of many voters.

"Four Years After George Floyd: Reflection, Activism, and Change"
social-justice2 years ago

"Four Years After George Floyd: Reflection, Activism, and Change"

Four years after George Floyd's murder, Minneapolis has seen mixed progress in police reform and community safety. While some initiatives like the Behavioral Crisis Response program have been implemented, the city's police budget has increased, and calls to defund the police have largely been walked back. Community leaders emphasize the need for continued support and deeper reforms to address ongoing trauma and rebuild trust.

"Cornel West's VP Pick: Defund the Police Supporter and Farrakhan Praise - What You Need to Know"
politics2 years ago

"Cornel West's VP Pick: Defund the Police Supporter and Farrakhan Praise - What You Need to Know"

Cornel West, a long-shot presidential candidate, has chosen Melina Abdullah, a professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter's Los Angeles chapter, as his running mate. Abdullah has a history of being forcibly removed from a mayoral debate, suing the national BLM organization and losing, praising Louis Farrakhan, advocating for defunding the police, and being a victim of "swatting."

Safety Concerns Drive Seattle Residents to Consider Relocation, Survey Reveals
crime3 years ago

Safety Concerns Drive Seattle Residents to Consider Relocation, Survey Reveals

Seattle, Washington, has the highest percentage of residents feeling pressure to move due to crime concerns, according to a national survey. About 7% of adults in the greater Seattle area, representing approximately 227,000 people, have considered leaving the city over the past six months. Experts attribute this trend to the failure of the city's progressive policies and movements, including the defund the police movement. Homicides increased by 24% in Seattle last year, while motor vehicle thefts rose by 30% and overall crime ticked up by 4%. The city's soft approach on prosecuting drug crimes and the creation of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) also contributed to the rise in crime.

Black Lives Matter: A Decade of Activism and Renewed Calls for Justice
social-justice3 years ago

Black Lives Matter: A Decade of Activism and Renewed Calls for Justice

Black Lives Matter marked its 10th anniversary by calling for July 13 to be designated as "Black Lives Matter Day" and vowing to "redouble" their fight for equality and left-wing political causes, including defunding the police. The organization emphasized the need to invest in Black communities and reimagine safety, stating that the focus should be on economic opportunities, quality education, stable housing, and healthcare rather than more police, jails, prisons, or harsher sentences. Despite controversies and leadership changes, BLM's work continues to evolve and local groups plan to intensify their efforts in making Black lives matter.

"Black Lives Matter: A Decade of Activism and the Ongoing Demand to Defund Police"
social-justice3 years ago

"Black Lives Matter: A Decade of Activism and the Ongoing Demand to Defund Police"

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is celebrating its 10-year anniversary since its founding in 2013. BLM activists and organizations are using this milestone to renew their calls to defund police departments and reinvest in Black communities that have been disproportionately affected by police brutality, unequal treatment in the criminal justice system, and mass incarceration. The movement's influence has grown over the years, shaping conversations about racial progress and influencing politics and law enforcement. In-person and virtual events are being held to commemorate the anniversary, including the "#BLMTurns10 People's Justice Festival" in Los Angeles. BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors and Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, are among the speakers at the festival.

politics3 years ago

Assessing Progress: America and Minneapolis Three Years After George Floyd's Murder.

Three years after George Floyd's murder, Black Americans are still more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white Americans. While there have been efforts to hold police more accountable, defund and reform police departments, and provide restitution and reparations, federal efforts on police reform have stalled. The key area of disagreement is over ending qualified immunity, a set of rules that protects government officials, including police officers, from individual liability for violating personal and constitutional rights. President Biden has urged Congress to enact meaningful police reform and remains willing to work with Republicans and Democrats alike on genuine solutions.

Political Parties Clash Over Law Enforcement Funding and Support.
politics3 years ago

Political Parties Clash Over Law Enforcement Funding and Support.

The House passed a non-binding resolution condemning efforts to defund or abolish the police, with 301 votes in favor and 119 against. All "no" votes came from Democrats, with 87 Democrats voting against the measure. The resolution recognizes the dedication of law enforcement and condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police. Democrats objected to language in the resolution that they felt unfairly singled out progressives and leftists, and argued that it did not address right-wing violence or police brutality. The House also passed bills aimed at supporting police, including making illegal alien assaults against police officers a deportable offense and allowing police to buy and use retired service weapons.

Chicago's New Progressive Mayor Faces Challenges of Violence and Change
politics3 years ago

Chicago's New Progressive Mayor Faces Challenges of Violence and Change

Brandon Johnson, a former school teacher and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, will be sworn in as Chicago's 57th mayor on Monday. He faces the challenge of rampant crime in the city, with more than 800 homicides recorded in 2021, the most since 1996. Johnson has pledged to chart a new strategy for public safety, including reopening mental health clinics and funding year-round youth employment. However, he has come under scrutiny for his apparent support of the defund the police movement. Johnson has vowed to add 200 detectives to the force and end the city's ShotSpotter program.

Study Ranks Best and Worst States for Police Officers
law-enforcement3 years ago

Study Ranks Best and Worst States for Police Officers

A new study by WalletHub ranks California as the best state to be a police officer, followed by Washington D.C, Connecticut, Maryland, and Illinois. Surprisingly, states known for "Defund the Police" movements, such as California and New York, ranked high on the list. The study considered factors such as salary, training requirements, and job hazards and protections. However, the effect of "Defund the Police" on morale and retention rates was not discussed. States with high rankings have had a hard time retaining police officers, with an 18% increase in resignations and a 45% increase in retirement rates.

Jim Jordan advocates for defunding federal law enforcement in wake of Trump indictment.
politics3 years ago

Jim Jordan advocates for defunding federal law enforcement in wake of Trump indictment.

Republican Rep. Jim Jordan has vowed to defund the federal police over the indictment of former President Donald Trump. Jordan said that Republicans will look into defunding the agencies responsible for investigating Trump and ordering his indictment. He argued that federal law enforcement agencies have been "turned against the very same people they are supposed to serve." Jordan's support for law and order apparently does not extend to cover federal law enforcement agencies.