TYT: BOMBSHELL: Alabama Cops Systematically Planting Drugs On Blacks For Decades

[WhoIsNumberNone]

Newly revealed documents looking at an Alabama narcotics investigation squad has unveiled more than a decade-long organized string of purposeful planting of drugs and guns on innocent black men since the mid-1990’s. The Alabama Justice Project revealed that the racist crimes were engaged in and covered up by many high-ranking officials including the District Attorney. Cenk Uygur, Ben Mankiewicz (Turner Classic Movies), and John Iadarola (Think Tank), hosts of the The Young Turks, break it down. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

"Members of a narcotics investigation squad for the police department in Dothan, Alabama planted drugs and weapons on young black men since the mid-1990s with the approval of their superiors — one of whom is currently the state’s Assistant Director of Homeland Security.

According to the Henry County Report, Andy Hughes was a sergeant in the department while overseeing the unit. But he was also a leader in a neo-Confederate group comprised by squad members, along fellow supervisor Steve Parrish. Parrish, at the time a lieutenant, is currently the city’s police chief.

Documents obtained by the Alabama Justice Project indicate that Parrish and Hughes are frequently mentioned in an internal affairs investigation. However, then-Police Chief John White and District Attorney Doug Valeska did not notify federal or state officials regarding the probe, as is required by department policy.”*

Read more here: http://www.rawstory.com/2015/12/bombshell-alabama-cops-systematically-framed-blacks-by-planting-drugs-and-guns-for-decades/

[marym625]

1. yet another bunch of "good cops"

We're so screwed.

[blackspade]

2. Just about to post this.

This is a fucking outrage.
This is the face of domestic terrorism. A blue uniform and a badge.

[The Roux Comes First]

3. This Definitely Calls for Federal Justice Department Probe

If we can't even agree that firings and criminal charges are essential for the perpetrators of this sort of thing, no matter how far up the ladder they have climbed, aren't we more or less encouraging an assumption that similar criminality by the supposed upholders of our system of "law and justice" is pandemic in our former democracy?

And if so, how could we expect anyone who is not very light in skin color to expect fair treatment at the hands of law enforcement?

I continue to believe Black Lives Matter.

[JDPriestly]

4. Black lives matter everywhere, but nowhere is the struggle to insure that black

lives matter more difficult than in Alabama.

Is there anyway that the rest of the country could secede from Alabama? Just sort of take the state out of the US and let it survive on its own? Kind of seal the border?

Of course, I am joking, but this story about the framing of so many African-American kids is no joke. It is tragic. Tragic is not a strong enough word for it.

And then, when we think of Alabama justice, let's remember Don Siegelman. Another Christmas in prison when he never did anything that hundreds of other politicians haven't done.

One note -- anti-semitism. I believe that Don Siegelman's wife is or was Jewish. Perhaps not observant, but I do think so.

Could that be an additional motive for the vendetta against him? I really had not thought of it until Cenk mentioned the anti-semitism that accompanies the racism against African-Americans in Alabama and other extreme right-wing areas of the country.

Siegelman was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, the son of Catherine Andrea (née Schottgen) and Leslie Bouchet Siegelman, Sr.[4] Siegelman is married to Lori Allen, and they have two children, Dana and Joseph. Siegelman is Catholic,[5] and his wife Lori is Jewish; they raised their children in the Jewish faith. He has studied martial arts for decades and holds a black belt in World Oyama karate.

He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama, where he was a brother of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity (Psi chapter), in 1968, and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1972. He then studied international law at the University of Oxford from 1972–1973.[6] While at the University of Alabama, Siegelman served as the President of the Student Government Association. While in law school, Siegelman worked as an officer in the United States Capitol Police to meet his expenses.

In 1979, Siegelman was elected Secretary of State of Alabama. He served as Secretary of State from 1979 to 1987, then as state Attorney General from 1987 to 1991, then as Lieutenant Governor from 1995 to 1999. In 1998, he won election to governor with 57% of the vote, including over 90% of the African-American electorate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Siegelman

Another Christmas in prison. I hope that the African-Americans who were convicted on the falsified evidence are ALL OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS. May be too much to ask, but it seems to me that it would be right for them to be home this year for the Holidays, however they may celebrate.

Obama should also pardon Don Siegelman and let him come home for the holidays. I would respect Obama for doing that. There is quite a large chance that the evidence against Siegelman was also falsified. I don't know for sure, but there is a good chance of it.

Can we please secede Alabama from the Union? Just for Christmas at least????

[daleanime]

5. ........

[Eric J in MN]

6. Drug possession shouldn't be a crime.

For many reasons, including the ease of framing someone for drug possession.

[wouldsman]

7. What an outrage.

Makes Chicago look cleaned up!

[Live and Learn]

8. Betting it is done everywhere. nt

[Enthusiast]

9. K&R! This post should have hundreds of recommendations! Recommend this!!!

This should go viral.

Like Cenk said, this isn't even the tip of the iceberg. The entire nation is awash in police misconduct and racism. It is time to put a stop to it, today!

[MynameisBlarney]

10. POsted this on FB last night.

One of my "friends" said it was "garbage propaganda and that I was fueling the hate".

What in the actual fuck?

[WhoIsNumberNone]

12. This country, and particularly the internet, is full of cop groupies

In these peoples' minds the cops are always right, and they will defend their actions no matter what- even covering for them where possible.

[Baitball Blogger]

11. I have no doubt that these ideas get filtered out of that state

when people move elsewhere. It has to be stopped with jail sentences and hefty fines to the police departments to send a message.