United african movement
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Alton h. Maddox, jr. Tel: (718) 834-9034
Chairman Fax : (718) 834-1275
16 Court Street
Suite 1901
Brooklyn, NY 11241



March 27, 2009


Police Chief David Kunkle
Dallas Police Department
1400 S. Lamar Street
Dallas, Texas 75215

Re: Traffic stop of the Moats

Dear Mr. Kunkle:

I join the legions of decent people in this country who are outraged over the discourteous, unprofessional and irresponsible confrontation between Dallas Police Officer Robert Powell and the Moats family over a traffic stop resulting from the attempt of the Moats’ family to be with the mother of Ryan Moats’ wife before she made her transition.

From my understanding of this incident, I have reluctantly concluded that common sense is not a requirement for being a law enforcement official in Dallas, TX. A reasonable person, acting under color of law, would have never prolonged a traffic stop and would have never withdrew a weapon to detain motorists for violating a traffic infraction. The police officer employed strict liability for a traffic infraction. Under strict liability, no explanation is acceptable.

I shutter to think about the future of Blacks in Dallas. Four hundred years later, racism is still running amuck in Texas. There is a culture of racial hatred. The incidents are legion. Texas and New York have supplanted Mississippi as the bastion of white supremacy.

For starters, law enforcement officials must take a racism quotient test. The leading authority is Carol Taylor. In Dallas, there seems to be a need to convince law enforcement officials that Dred Scott should be ignored and that it is plausible to embrace the U.S. Constitution. Finally, there should be an appreciation for diverse cultures.

In the end, law enforcement officials should recognize that “We are One” and not “us” against “them.” This nation has changed, at least, on paper. Only white men enjoyed promissory notes in 1787. By 1965, everyone was given a promissory note. It is time for everyone to get the message. See Juneteenth.

Very truly yours,


AHM:sr
cc: Cong. Al Green
Cong.. Eddie Bernice Johhson
Cong. Sheila Jackson Lee