Civil Rights are Dead at Manhattan Beach

filmlover44

I ran across this on Gowanus Lounge. It's long, so I haven't reprinted the whole thing here. You can read Gene Berardelli's account of his arrest if you follow the link:


http://www.gerritsenbeach.net/2008/06/07/civil-rights-are-dead-in-manhattan-beach-based-on-race/

Friday, June 6th was senior cut day for some local schools, and then they head down to Manhattan Beach for a day of sun and fun, but the past two years have been anything but fun. Last year there was the infamous email from Dr. Ron calling beachgoers “thugs”. This year in anticipation of the return of the “thugs”, the residents have been demanding all year for a plan addressing “Senior Cut Day” and all that comes with it.

Well Senior Cut came and it did not go well for beachgoers their civil rights went out the window. Before I get to that really big news. Here is what I personally saw.

Knowing senior cut day was Friday. I made sure to at least make an effort to get down there and catch the “thugs” in action. On my way down to Manhattan Beach I had heard that Gene Berardelli, Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic’s attorney, was arrested for disorderly conduct. I was surprised, mainly because this is a guy who sits on the 61 PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL and I couldn’t see him getting arrested.

With this in mind I headed to the beach.

Right away I had asked one of the officers whom I thought was in command (white shirt) if there was any incidents on the beach. He responded that there weren’t any. I had asked if he heard about anyone getting arrested, he said he hadn’t heard of anyone. I knew this was false so I walked around and was even more surprised by officers actions.

filmlover44

And more from the NY Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06122008/news/regionalnews/bias_beach_bust_115146.htm

June 12, 2008 -- Cops barred black teens from using a public beach in a predominantly white community, a Brooklyn lawyer claims - adding that when he tried to get the youths in, officers arrested him.

Gene Berardelli told The Post he was cuffed, thrown in a squad car, put in a cell and then issued a summons as a disorderly person after attempting to get the black teens past cops and onto Manhattan Beach last Friday.

Cops said they were at the beach and others throughout the city in response to so-called "Senior Cut Day," a Friday when lots of high-schoolers ditch classes.

But the issue took on added significance in Manhattan Beach because some residents called for privatizing the neighborhood's public beach to keep "thugs" out. The talk started after last's year Senior Cut Day, when one teen was shot and another caught with a loaded gun.

Berardelli and his mother, Barbara, said cops were redirecting minority teens from Manhattan Beach to nearby Coney Island and Brighton beaches - but were still allowing white teens on to Manhattan Beach.

filmlover44

And more from the NY Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06122008/news/regionalnews/bias_beach_bust_115146.htm

June 12, 2008 -- Cops barred black teens from using a public beach in a predominantly white community, a Brooklyn lawyer claims - adding that when he tried to get the youths in, officers arrested him.

Gene Berardelli told The Post he was cuffed, thrown in a squad car, put in a cell and then issued a summons as a disorderly person after attempting to get the black teens past cops and onto Manhattan Beach last Friday.

Cops said they were at the beach and others throughout the city in response to so-called "Senior Cut Day," a Friday when lots of high-schoolers ditch classes.

But the issue took on added significance in Manhattan Beach because some residents called for privatizing the neighborhood's public beach to keep "thugs" out. The talk started after last's year Senior Cut Day, when one teen was shot and another caught with a loaded gun.

Berardelli and his mother, Barbara, said cops were redirecting minority teens from Manhattan Beach to nearby Coney Island and Brighton beaches - but were still allowing white teens on to Manhattan Beach.

sweet tea

wow. THAT'll sure make for better citizens, all around.

what the hell?

sweet tea

wow. THAT'll sure make for better citizens, all around.

what the hell?

anonymous

Subject: Racism in 2008, it never ends. Obama can't stop Racists in N

Racism will never end in America!!!!!!!!!!

anonymous

Subject: Racism in 2008, it never ends. Obama can't stop Racists in N

Racism will never end in America!!!!!!!!!!

filmlover44

Subject: Re: Racism in 2008, it never ends. Obama can't stop Racists

Anti_Racist wrote: Racism will never end in America!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just curious...what's the point of being an Anti-Racist if you think that racism will never end? You might as well just lie back and take it.