The following is an update on yesterday's post on the Rev. Al Sharpton's threats to lobby the IOC to not consider Chicago in its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games if the City does not reform its policies of dealing with accusations of police misconduct.
The Tribune reported that later on Monday, the City Council's Finance Committee sent a proposal to the full council for approval of an advance on a $19.8 million legal settlement with four alleged torture victims of former police Cmdr. Jon Burge. When told of Sharpton's demands, which include stripping the mayor of the final decision in the firing and suspension of officers accused of misconduct, and releasing the complete records of police officers who have had repeated complaints of misconduct filed against them by African-Americans, the Mayor instructed Sharpton to "get in line".
Commenting on why Sharpton did not use the same tactic against New York, which has dealt with its own abuse problems within its police force, when the Big Apple was bidding for the 2012 Games, the Mayor responded: "It's interesting, nobody opposed New York -- very, very interesting. Why all of a sudden is it opposed here?" Specifically, Sharpton was a supporter for Abner Louima, a Haitian immigrant who was arrested and brutalized by NYPD officers in a police station restroom.
UPDATE ON 12/13/07: Thanks to Peter for the notice. Today, Federal agents issued subpoenas for financial records of Sharpton's non-profit and for-profit businesses, as well as his election fund from the 2004 Presidential Election, and personal financial records of Sharpton and his wife. As many as 10 Sharpton associates are to appear before the Grand Jury in Brooklyn, NY on 12/26/07. Merry Christmas, indeed.
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