To the Point
Will Policing Ever Be Colorblind?
Michael Brown’s killing was not an isolated incident. The FBI reports that a white police officer kills a black person almost twice a week. A new poll shows both blacks and whites believe cops are not held accountable for excessive force or for racial discrimination. We’ll hear calls for police reform, and a new kind of federal assistance.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenMichael Brown’s killing was not an isolated incident. The FBI reports that a white police officer kills a black person almost twice a week. A new poll shows both blacks and whites believe cops are not held accountable for excessive force or for racial discrimination. Other research shows an unconscious bias toward young, black males among all segments of the population—but it can be modified by training. We’ll hear calls for police reform, and a new kind of federal assistance.
Also, Russia continues its "stealth invasion" of eastern Ukraine, and the Islamic State is demanding release of a prisoner in Texas.
Banner Image: Times Square, New York protest in the wake of the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO; Credit: Jason Allen
In this episode
3 storiesUkraine Reports Russian Stealth Invasion
Russia is continuing what the US calls a “stealth invasion” of eastern Ukraine. Five armored personnel carriers crossed the border yesterday. Today, NATO released photographs showing 1000 Russian soldiers. Ukrainian forces had appeared to be gaining the upper hand, but some reports indicate that they are retreating.
Read the story8 minPolice and Race in America
Last Friday in Beverly Hills, California, TV producer Charles Belk—a 51-year old black man—was on his way to a pre-Emmy awards party. When he left a restaurant, he was stopped by police, handcuffed and taken to jail with bail sent at $100,000.
Read the story33 minLady al-Qaeda
A Pakistani woman known as “Lady al-Qaeda” was one of the Bush Administration’s “most wanted” people. She was convicted of attempted murder, and she’s being held in a Texas prison. In Pakistan she’s considered a martyr, and now the extremist Islamic State is demanding her release. Should she be exchanged for American hostages?
Read the story7 min
