Police prepare for unrest

#1
OrangeEmpire

OrangeEmpire

The White Debonair
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#1
TheHill.com - Police prepare for unrest

Some worry that if Barack Obama loses and there is suspicion of foul play in the election, violence could ensue in cities with large black populations. Others based the need for enhanced patrols on past riots in urban areas (following professional sports events) and also on Internet rumors.


Democratic strategists and advocates for black voters say they understand officers wanting to keep the peace, but caution that excessive police presence could intimidate voters.

Sen. Obama (Ill.), the Democratic nominee for president, has seen his lead over rival Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) grow in recent weeks, prompting speculation that there could be a violent backlash if he loses unexpectedly.

Cities that have suffered unrest before, such as Detroit, Chicago, Oakland and Philadelphia, will have extra police deployed.

In Oakland, the police will deploy extra units trained in riot control, as well as extra traffic police, and even put SWAT teams on standby.

“Are we anticipating it will be a riot situation? No. But will we be prepared if it goes awry? Yes,” said Jeff Thomason, spokesman for the Oakland Police Department.

“I think it is a big deal — you got an African-American running and [a] woman running,” he added, in reference to Obama and GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. “Whoever wins it, it will be a national event. We will have more officers on the street in anticipation that things may go south.”

The Oakland police last faced big riots in 2003 when the Raiders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. Officials are bracing themselves in case residents of Oakland take Obama’s loss badly.

Political observers such as Hilary Shelton and James Carville fear that record voter turnout could overload polling places on Election Day and could raise tension levels.
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Thoughts?
 
#2
#2
first obama wont lose and second even if he does i very much doubt the average person in the inner city could give a crap (unless it's an excuse to loot).
 
#3
#3
droski said:
first obama wont lose and second even if he does i very much doubt the average person in the inner city could give a crap (unless it's an excuse to loot).
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I think you're wrong. I can hear the cries of racism now if McCain somehow pulls it out.
 
#4
#4
i agree w/ volinthaAtl. could get ugly. hope someone doesn't come knockin on my door, my short barrelled 12 gauge, and my .40 semi will greet them
 
#5
#5
there will be cries of racism of course, but that doesn't mean the average black person cares.
 
#6
#6
droski said:
there will be cries of racism of course, but that doesn't mean the average black person cares.
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I do not think you're giving the average black person much credit. Some (I might even say more than half here) care only because he is black, which in this case if he loses will be the perfect opportunity for them to go crazy.
 
#7
#7
I'd say Colin is playing the race. if not he sure is flip flopping, but then again from what i hear, it's not a surprise if he is a flip flop
 
#10
#10
There will be riots by the Obama supporters either way. Look what happens in urban areas when they win an NBA championship or a Super Bowl. Glad I'll be in a secure gated community at far end of the Florida peninsula when it goes down.
 
#11
#11
Obama victory riots will be hailed as evidence of how badly CHANGE was needed. The damage will be paid for by "those that can afford it".
 
#12
#12
VolunteerHillbilly said:
There will be riots by the Obama supporters either way. Look what happens in urban areas when they win an NBA championship or a Super Bowl. Glad I'll be in a secure gated community at far end of the Florida peninsula when it goes down.
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Hey can I come over at that point?
 
#15
#15
I'd probably be more comfortable with McCain but if Obama wins I do not plan to waste the next 4-8 years of my life bitching about stolen elections and other such nonsense. Whoever wins, fine. I've reached a point in life where I realize the person serving as POTUS has alot less impact on my happiness than the person serving as hfc at UTK.
 
#16
#16
Obama supporter practicing for election night.

lootie.gif
 
#18
#18
Prediction: There will not be riots anywhere in America after the election. However, there will be violence from extremists leading up to the election and afterward. I won't make a prediction as to which political persuasion these bad actors will come from.
 
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