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Once again the vocal minority, this time from the far left, have taken the stage. Why, when the Black and Hispanic communities, which are certainly the most impacted with regards to incidents of police offenses against its citizens, are overwhelmingly against reducing the police force that largely works hard to keep its communities safe (see poll after poll that actually captures the less vocal majority), would the city council ever even consider such a proposal?

Certainly reallocating part of the true “discretionary” budget of just over $7 million towards programs that are designed to train the police department on how to recognize, understand and act on the causes and affects of systemic prejudice and racism would be a much sounder solution. Combining this with mandates to add more officers, administrators and leaders of color, particularly from the Black and Hispanic community, throughout the police department seems important. Finally, creating policies that make identifying, correcting and when needed, quickly firing any personnel within the police department who are at the root of these racially biased problems makes sense as well.

Frankly increasing the budget to accomplish these objectives and other like minded community building initiatives makes much more sense than what this council seems bent on doing. Maybe giving a few less incentives to the next 10 developers who propose the latest and greatest gentrifying projects could easily fund these important initiatives. Let’s hope the less vocal majority among all races take the necessary steps to make sure their voices are heard now and going forward.

From: Lansing City Council to consider a ‘significant’ cut to the police budget

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