J-Fed Does Right

We've been getting a bunch of crap in the comment sections lately as we attempt to keep the March at the top of everyone's "to-do" list. Mainly, it's City trolls attempting to spread disinformation about whether or not you're allowed to bring guns (you are), whether you should show up in uniform (you shouldn't - if you're coming from court, cover up), and whether of not the Department will be interfering with our First Amendment Rights as they have in the past.

The following was posted in our comment sections three days ago. We wondered if it was real or not. A little detective work revealed it to be genuine and posted in a number of stations and units and CO Books:

• ----- Original Message -----
  From: Weis, Jody P.
  To: [removed]
  Sent: Fri Mar 27 19:15:49 2009
  Subject:
  
  All:
  
  Earlier today, I was copied on a letter sent from FOP President Mark Donahue to the City’s Corporation Counsel alleging that the Department was planning an improper first amendment investigation into those individuals who choose to participate in an FOP-organized picket on 02 April.
  
  This allegation is false and not substantiated by any information that is available within the Department. I am deeply concerned that such an allegation would be raised against members of the Department without proof.
  
  I would ask that you inform the members of your command that the Department is committed to upholding the constitution, and that we will support the first amendment rights of the men and women of the Department, regardless of the first amendment activity they choose to participate in. The Department will support their rights; it is vital that we stress this point to the membership.
  
  Every day, numerous first amendment activities are ongoing throughout the City with the full support and protection of legal first amendment activity by the members of the Department; the event on 02 April will enjoy the same support and protections by the Department provided to any other activity.
  
  Thank you for your leadership in this issue.
  Jody
  
  Jody Weis
  Superintendent
  Chicago Police Department

The fact that J-Fed felt it necessary to address this issue tells anyone familiar with the political structure exactly what we need to know. So as we give J-Fed piles of grief when he deserves it, we'll give him his props when he earns them, too. One instance of doing the right thing isn't going to change our minds, but it is the right thing and needs to be pointed out.

The PBPA - Lieutenants and Captains Association posted a message of support Monday and a press release was issued. Thanks to Lieutenant Weisskopf, Captain Drozd and their memberships.

SecondCitySarge has declared their intent to join the Informational Picket, but no word from the official Sergeants Union site.

We still haven't seen a SecondCityExempts blog up and running, and we don't really expect one soon. In any event, Thursday is the day. Let's see if some of the supervisors expressing support come out and show some support, too. The more the merrier.