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Monday, January 28, 2008

NAACP To Protest Police Promotion

UPDATED, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30

City attorneys are working on a resolution now that would condemn the promotion of a controversial police officer who was previously fired after being involved in the 2000 death of a suspect.

Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls proposed the resolution after hearing more than a dozen African-Americans urge a public statement against the promotion of Patrick Caton, who was promoted two weeks ago to sergeant.

"And I would hope," she said, "quite frankly, that the FOP and all police officers would agree" that Caton's not someone desirable for the Cincinnati police force.

The resolution, being prepared at Qualls' request, will not be presented today. Instead, she said, it will be introduced and sent through the Law and Public Safety Committee. There, she said, Chairman Cecil Thomas, a retired police officer, can hold public hearings so citizens can weigh in on changes needed in civil service law and city contract negotiations to make sure the city isn't in the position again to have to re-hire someone it tried so hard to fire.



UPDATED, 2 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30:

Cincinnati's NAACP asked City Council this afternoon to denounce the promotion of a controversial police officer and put the officer on desk duty until he undergoes two psychological evaluations.

Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati branch and a former councilman, urged supporters to pack City Council chambers before today's meeting to protest the promotion this month of Patrick Caton, an officer who was involved in the 2000 arrest death of Roger Owensby Jr. Caton, like all officers promoted from officer to sergeant, was promoted based on how well he did on a promotional exam - the only factor in such promotions.

After two Caton opponents had spoken, Mayor Mark Mallory jumped in to explain that while he and council members welcomed the NAACP's passion and opinions, there's nothing more the city can do to stop the promotion.

"I don't think there's anybody here who wants to see this promotion go through," the mayor said.



Caton was fired in 2003. The Fraternal Order of Police took the termination to arbitration in 2004, and an arbitrator said the proper punishment was a five-day suspension, not termination. The city ultimately appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case. That meant a 2005 decision by the First District Court of Appeals stands. That decision upheld the arbitrator's ruling.

Jane Prendergast reports that the council chambers is packed, with at least 50 African-Americans there, though it's unclear which of them are there for the Caton protest.



The president Cincinnati branch of the NAACP, Christopher Smitherman, is rallying supporters to go to City Council on Wednesday to express outrage about the police department's promotion of Patrick Caton to sergeant. Caton, with 17 others, was promoted in a ceremony Jan. 17 - four days before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Caton was charged with assault in the 2000 death of Roger Owensby Jr. , but acquitted. He and another officer, Blaine Jorg, arrested Owensby in the parking lot of a Roselawn convenience store. Minutes later, Owensby was unresponsive in the back seat of a patrol car. Caton was fired, but rehired after union arbitration.

The death prompted a lawsuit by Owensby's family, which ended with the city of Cincinnati agreeing to pay the largest settlement in city history - $6.5 million.

Here's what Smitherman's e-mail this afternoon says:

"Dear Membership and Community,

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008 please show up to City Hall regarding Officer Caton's recent promotion to Sergeant. Please get to City Hall located at 801 Plum Street by 1:00 PM so that you may fill out a speakers card and speak to the mayor, the council and the city manager about our outrage regarding the decision to promote Caton on the Martin Luther King holiday. This is the officer who murdered Roger Owensby Jr. You have 2 minutes to speak and you must turn in your card by 1:15 PM in order to do so. The other role you can play is just be present. It is unfortunate but Caton's promotion has made national news. We continue to embarrass the region and the city with these types of barbaric decisions.

See you on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 1:00 PM at City Hall."

Caton, 41, became an officer in 1997.


144 Comments:

at 3:38 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, "murder" is a pretty strong word and obviously shows that Smitherman is using emotion over rational thought in an attempt to push his agenda and create a distrubance at city hall. Sad and pathetic (but par for the course) tactics on his part.

 
at 3:49 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The officer was acquitted of any wrong doing. If this was a black (African-American) officer, the NAACP would be screaming if he WASN'T promoted. Their only perspective is that something is only right and justified if it agrees with the NAACP. I do realize that Smitherman has to do something to justify is salary...

 
at 3:51 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought the NAACP was supposed to be a group that is supposed to help lift people up.

For a guy who heads such an organization, it seems like all he does is hold people back, make a lot of noise and get his name in the paper whenever he can.

I pray for the people whose lives Smitherman ruins or tries to ruin...including his own.

 
at 3:58 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

In September of 1986 I witnessed an egregious case of police brutality by two white officers against a rather small, very scared black man accused of a hit and skip. One of the reasons they stopped beating him is that I kept asking for their badge numbers and I'm white. The victim of the beating was prosecuted for resisting arrest. I told the truth at the trial and was told I'd be arrested for contempt. I said go ahead, it would prove my point. Not much has changed in 22 years in Cincinnati. We all are in this together - if some citizens are afraid of the police than none of us should be at ease.

 
at 4:02 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This city has no respect for its minorities! To promote this pig on Martin Luther King Jr holiday was a slap in the face. We have been tormented enough by the "cops" in this city only to promote one who helps kill our people. I am taking off of work wednesday just so I can come speak my peace. And I believe what I say so I will not remain anonymous I am proud of how I feel.

 
at 4:03 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, because every criminal goes down without a fight. They usually just surrender to ensure everyone's safety and well being, especially in troubled area's of city. Not to mention the fact that everyone that's protesting this promotion was there first hand to witness what happened. I wouldn't go as far to say he "murdered" him, because murder is usually what happens in OTR and surrounding areas. Just let it go, and stop trying to make everything in Cincinnati a racial issue because it makes you have a sense of self-worth.

 
at 4:03 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The President of the NAACP Cincinnati Branch does not receive a paycheck from the organization. It is a volunteer position. The Hamilton County Coroner ruled Roger Owensby's death a "homicide". That is not emotional...that is fact. The City acknowledged Caton's wrongdoing and settled the lawsuit for $6.5 million of taxpayer money. That is not emotional...that is fact. Mayor Mallory called Caton being found not guilty by Judge Ralph Winkler "outrageous". That's not emotional...that is fact. The President is merely articulating the NAACP memberships' condemnation of Officer Caton's promotion. The NAACP membership drives the policy. The President of the NAACP Cincinnati Branch articulates the position of the membership...plain and simple.

 
at 4:08 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Perhaps when there is a black president in this country, the need for organizations such as the NAACP will finally be compromised. Maybe then it will be evident that racism does not thrive in the country. I refuse to believe that race is as large of an issue as groups such as the NAACP seem to think it is. The death of owensby was tragic, but this man went through the court system already. I dont think that he received some type of sentence where he can no longer take part in the american economy and advance to a higher level at his job. I am sure there was a reason he got the promotion.

 
at 4:13 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree Smitherman is using emotion and not facts. The officer was not found guilty of murder, period. Lies continue to come out of Smitherman's mouth, and he continues to get other's worked up over his lies. The fact that he is upset that this officer is getting promoted is not his business. This officer deserves the promotion and is entitled to get it. Smitherman get over it and do your job. You are more an embarrasment to the region.

 
at 4:13 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Since the guidelines for promotion are a result of the union contract, they should go protest to the Fraternal Order of Police. This policy cannot be arbitrarily changed by the city.

 
at 4:24 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherman has become a reverse racist and is leading the NCAAP down the wrong path. It's time for him more over and let a leader step up who will promote racial harmony.

 
at 4:26 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Murder? I don't think he was accused of MURDER. Perhaps he needs to rephrase his words before he LOSES his position for slander. Also, what does MLK day have to do with it? Probably to stir up more trouble. The point is: these types of organization are nothing but negative and swear they are positive. If "someone" didn't get arrested in the first place, then perhaps they would have never been any trouble? Hmmm...it's funny how that question is never brought up...

 
at 4:28 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great, sounds like we got another Sharpton on our hands-ugghh.

 
at 4:29 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shut up Smithereens. Caton did not murder anyone and he was not propomted on the MLK holiday. Caton went through the justice system and was acquited. He was fired, but got his job back. Like it or not, he was entitled to the promotion based upon the posted criteria. Advance your people and quit holding them back.

 
at 4:38 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so tired of hearing this man.

Fight for a guy sitting in jail, who should have been sitting jail. Your wanted on how many warrants? And then bring a knife in to the courthouse? If your that dumb, you should be in jail.

Then going after a high school over a play, they have shown for who knows how many years.

And now this fight. Mr.Smitherman your not asking people to come out, your begging. Its a little sad and degrading on your part. If people really believed in what you had to say or fight for, you wouldn't have to beg. I really believe your just wanting to see your name in the newspaper again and again.

 
at 4:47 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

From somebody who has personally been told by a Cincinnati police officer themselves that they are not peace officers, I believe the police do what they please because they are given the power to.

 
at 4:48 PM, January 28, 2008 Blogger larryb said...

It's like a boxing match for Silverman, wait wait wait then when there's any kind of opening to use race against the city, then he will make his move and take a punch for himself and the NAACP.

 
at 4:49 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Caton is an embarrassment as an officer. It's a tragedy for all citizens of Cincinnati that he has been able to use "the system" to not only save his career, but advance it. Besides the Owensby case -- where his actions were deemed so far out of line that he was fired, only to be reinstated by an arbitrator -- he also had an incident where he used the 'n' word in his cruiser and it was picked up by the police radio. Sorry, that is just plain unfit for duty.

Now he's used civil service as a lever to a promotion, when if his career were judged on merits, he would zero percent chance for such a move. Civil service and ridiculous arbitration precedents are both serious issues for the professionalism of our police department, and the FOP ought to be called on the carpet about their support of this. I guarantee you 90 percent-plus of the officers in the department are as horrified to have to work with Caton as the NAACP is to see him promoted, but there's little that can be done until reform is brought to the relationship between the union and the city.

 
at 4:58 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even if the entire Owensby affair was handled correctly, which is doubtful, this "man" should still not be promoted. In fact he should not even be a police officer. The inability of the city to fire the bad police officers casts unfortunate doubt on all of the other good ones. Doesn't anyone remember his other transgressions? If not, try out the Enquirer, www.enquirer.com/editions/2002/10/10/loc_caton_has_faced_slur.html - 48k -

One use of that word, much less multiple uses, is should get you fired, especially if you are in a position of trust. I would be fired and so would you so why not him?

 
at 5:16 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

What does he hope to accomplish by this? City Council can't do a thing about this. This is nothing but a waste of time, but it will get his face on TV.

 
at 6:15 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

And after the outrage, what?

Nothing. Nothing will change Caton's promotion. Nothing can change that.

What did Smitherman do on Council to keep this from happening?

Nothing.

Anon 4:03- medical homicide as a manner of death (the others being natural, accidental and suicidal) is not the same as criminal homicide. I doubt you care.

 
at 8:04 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

NAACP To Protest Police Promotion.

How about NAACP To Protest Black on Black Crime.

If Mr.Smitherman really wants to do some good in the city stop the black youth from committing crimes in the first place. The black on black crime is far worse than anything Sergeant Caton did. How many Black on Black homicides have to occur before he starts to protest them.

 
at 9:00 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's unfortunate this city is unable to move beyond the use of colorful words to drive colorful agendas that support colorful roles of notoriety.

When this city finally moves beyond it's racial crutch it will be as it should serving as a national leader in innovation and redesign.

We have so much history at our backs and offer so much potential. But who would invest in a town boasting Smither-ites as leaders and offering one sided self serving reform as the answer? Not me. Not you. Not anyone. So we will sit in a decaying city that has gotten what it desired. We now have a liberal criminal justice system that hands more time to a DUI offender than a man that served ounces of crack cocaine to a drug addict while in possession of a firearm. Thank you NAACP. You have served the community admirably. You have only locked in the retardation of your culture, albeit a rich and historic culture, however one that is lacking any addition to the strength and perseverance demonstrated by your generational ancestors.

Good luck Cincinnati.

 
at 9:01 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's unfortunate this city is unable to move beyond the use of colorful words to drive colorful agendas that support colorful roles of notoriety.

When this city finally moves beyond it's racial crutch it will be as it should serving as a national leader in innovation and redesign.

We have so much history at our backs and offer so much potential. But who would invest in a town boasting Smither-ites as leaders and offering one sided self serving reform as the answer? Not me. Not you. Not anyone. So we will sit in a decaying city that has gotten what it desired. We now have a liberal criminal justice system that hands more time to a DUI offender than a man that served ounces of crack cocaine to a drug addict while in possession of a firearm. Thank you NAACP. You have served the community admirably. You have only locked in the retardation of your culture, albeit a rich and historic culture, however one that is lacking any addition to the strength and perseverance demonstrated by your generational ancestors.

Good luck Cincinnati.

 
at 9:45 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just curious but, what does the NAACP have to do with the promotion of any police officer regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity? Is it that old natural human inclination to support or gravitate to our like kind? Very much like the rest of the animals of the world.

 
at 9:59 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This Smitherman clown gives me a big laugh every time he issues a manifesto loaded with lies, slander, & vilifications. Actually, if he weren't so damned funny, he'd be one scary racist.

And while we're on this Caton-Owensby showdown here, wasn't it Owensby's old man who stated some of the taxpayer cash he looted was going to set up a scholarship fund? To date, I've haven't heard a peep about the scholarship or how much has been poured into it.

Maybe Smitherman can address this issue in his next manifesto to his Membership & his Community. I get a chuckle out of that "Dear Membership & Community" jazz. If one isn't a card carrying member of the NAACP or the slice of the community who feeds into him & believes his salacious diatribes, you don't count & you'll never matter. What a racist. It isn't Caton who has the city divided, it's Smitherman who continues to widen that divide.

 
at 10:13 PM, January 28, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where’s that intolerant white boy’s beat? I’m surprised he’s still breathing up our good air.

 
at 12:03 AM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am glad that I will be one of the many there to protest Caton's promotion. This will be a changing day for all of Cincinnati, it's bound to happen regarless of the conservatives.

 
at 4:41 AM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

When people break the law and "run" from the police, they are
a danger and a threat to the police.It's interesting how people want to exhalt the law breakers and condem the police officers. Maybe if we lock up all the criminals for life and never give them a chance for freedom there will be less violence in Cincinnati. Why does everyone always want to make it a race issue. More blacks kill blacks than white killing blacks. Simtherman needs to be locked up with the criminals and maybe then he will understand the need for law and order and obeying laws.

 
at 9:32 AM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just reading these comments makes me sick. It's clear that racism is alive and prospering in Cincinnati. Anyone who can take the facts as presented by the comments at 4:03PM and then stand besides Officer Canton after he not only murdered a man, but put us in a position where we (all of us) where sued by the victims family. Any rational person would say to themself, if I commited such a crime while at work I would surely lose my job and be convicted of murder. But in this case the officer received his job back and then a promotion. Again, I say, racism is alive and prospering in Cincinnati.

It's becoming very clear to me and I hope Mr. Smitherman that the only way to deal with this situation will be to fight the FOP Union in court. When funds are needed for this valliant fight let us know. Too many of us are ready to move forward to let these idiots at the FOP continue to prosper. Lets take back our city and country by getting involved and saying NO MORE RACISM and NO MORE BIASED JUSTICE.

 
at 9:50 AM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

NAACP: Time to close up shop. You have been a non player for twenty years.

 
at 12:27 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

9:32: Caton's reinstatement is a result (consquence) of a union contract and civil service rules.

What about them should Smitherman have changed while on Council?

There's no "court fight" coming- you can't change the rules in arrears.

 
at 12:35 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

How long before Smitherman comes to the defense of the diaper bag-gun toting missus as reported today by Mr. Perry, claiming her two-shooter is a "martial arts teaching tool"?

 
at 1:38 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sergeant Canton, on your well-deserved promotion. We're counting on you to keep the black thugs in check. Give the black criminals of Cincinnati a bear hug from the law-abiding, tax-paying citizens of Cincinnati.

 
at 2:47 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

LMAO.... never ceases 2 amaze me how racist the whites in this cowtown are and continue 2 B. And its truly HILARIOUS that calls you on your racist behavior (fact or opinion) illicits such hatred!! LOL As one poster stated prior, Owensby didn't run or resist, he was killed (murdered, if you will)by Jorg and Caton, an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. But in Klancinnati yore, that doesn't matter. As someone else stated, it is the will of the membership, not the PRESIDENT, that this 'protest' is being called. DISAGREE?? Then why not go to one of their meetings and challenge the president? Oh wait, that's what courageous individuals do, not the whiners and wannabee Limpballs that love the anonymity of the internet and use it to hide behind their racist rhetoric!! LOLOL Much easier than actually going face to face with Smitherman and telling him exactly how you feel.... LOLOL

Sadly, as someone else stated, as long as the arbitration rules stay in effect, officers, the good and the bad, will get their case heard and 9 times out of 10, will get their job back. As long as its in effect, protesting to a lame duck filled council won't help--deaf ears dwell therein.

 
at 3:05 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherman and promotion issues aside, I believe that the death of Roger Owensby Jr. was even more notable and brutal than the death of Timothy Thomas, which seemed to eclipse the Owensby killing five months later. Thomas was shot in a split-second, tragic, horribly wrong decision; Owensby was asphyxiated. Suffocating someone is a pretty deliberate act. Owensby wouldn't necessarily have died if Jorg and Caton had come to their senses. What these cops did is beyond the pale. Although Caton, evidentally, didn't actually kneel on the Owensby's back as Jorg did, it seems clear that he contributed to his death. Caton deserves jail time, not a promotion.

 
at 3:12 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Suburban jane d'oh is right on target with her comments. Good for you for telling it like it really is.

 
at 7:22 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Suburban jane d'oh and the above "clown" malcom little are the reasons that Cincinnati can not unite. Looking for a racist, check out your own mirror. And shame on the both of you. MLK would be ashamed of your attitude.

 
at 7:55 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

recall that when Smitherman was on City Council he paraded his own children before the council and had them make a speech/plea that they "not get Tased" by the Cincinnati Police...I think his oldest child was 7 at the time...nice,Chris...what a parent you are.

 
at 10:48 PM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roger Owensby Jr was choked to death by Patrick Caton and they are dumb enough to think we have forgotten it. Well, a Muslim never forgets. You don't kill our brother! We don't never forget! You don't shoot one of us and then grin in our face. You don't smother one of us and then shake our hands and think we'd forget it. No, we never forget, we'll never forget! Someone has to pay. Somewhere, somehow, someone has to pay. When a snake bites your children, you don't go and look for the snake that has blood on it's jaws, any old snake will do. Any old snake will do! .... I'm telling you, the only way you get justice is in the street. The only way you get justice is in the sidewalk. The only way you get justice is when you make justice for yourself.

 
at 9:16 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

malcolm little...it appears you're looking to be booked into the hamilton county justice center yourself with your veiled threat of street justice...
a muslim never forgets? yeah.they/you don't.the muslims are still bent out shape over getting kicked out of spain in the 13th century.
you'll always be stuck in the past with your mindset.

 
at 9:42 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why write about spain? what about America? what about Hamilton County? Look at the American Revolution, in 1776. That revolution was for what? For land. Why did they want land? Independence. How was it carried out? Bloodshed. Number one, it was based on land, the basis of independence, and the only way they could get it, was bloodshed. The French Revolution, what was it based on — the landless against the landlord. What was it for? Land! How did they get it? Bloodshed! There was no love lost, was no compromise, was no negotiation. I'm telling you you don't know what a revolution is, because when you find out you'll get back in the alley, you'll get out of the way. The Russian Revolution. What was it based on? Land — the landless against the landlord. How did they bring it about? Bloodshed. You haven't got a revolution that doesn't involve bloodshed, and you're afraid to bleed. [Commotion] I said you are afraid to bleed. As long as the white man sent you to Korea, you bled. He sent you to Germany, you bled. He sent you to the South Pacific to fight the Japanese, you bled. You bleed for white people, but when it comes time to seeing your own churches being bombed, and little black girls [Speak on!] murdered, you haven't got no blood.

 
at 10:31 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hate this city.

 
at 10:32 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Malcom Little... What exactly is the point you are trying to portray here? What's going on here in Hamilton County that has seen so much bloodshed besides black on black crime? When you fight a police officer, white or black, you're going to get beat up, tasered, etc... Point to be noted: DON'T FIGHT THE POLICE AND DON'T BREAK THE LAW!!! It's really not that hard to do. If you want to break the law and "cause bloodshed" on "the streets and sidewalks" of Cincinnati, are you not going against the very policy you are trying to prevent from happening? The war's oversea's, and this "war" you speak of here in Cincinnati are 2 completely different things, 2 of which you don't know much about...

Also, what is this landless and landlord you speak of and what relevance does it have here in Cincinnati? Instead of taking the law into your own hands, which I'm not too sure you're competent enough to do anyways, just let the professionals handle it.

 
at 10:33 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you obay the laws, there's really nothing to worry about. Know is there?

 
at 10:36 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherman is just like jessie jackson and al sharpton, he is a race pimp and a clown

 
at 10:39 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who Cares.

 
at 10:41 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Little Malcom, we are no longer in 1962 Democrat south USA

 
at 10:43 AM, January 30, 2008 Blogger educated said...

Suburban Jane is very ignorant. What makes you think that all african american are thugs and criminals. I am an educated, tax-paying, african-american with no criminal back ground. Cincinnati will nerver be united with stupid, ignorant, people like yourself. Remember white people think that being a thug is cool and you are probably someone who wants to be a thug. You sound so stupid believing that black people are the only one committing crimes. Pick up a history book next time.
It doesn't matter if you are black or white murder is murder no exceptions.

 
at 10:47 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm tired of the African American race of accusing the police of causing all the problems and harassment. A few cops might be out of line yes, but 97% of them are there to do their job and do it right. When the cops run your plates and it comes back that you have multiple drug convictions then yes you will be questioned about whats in your car and you might even be searched, thats policy. It's funny that the people who stay out of trouble have no problems with the police, its the ones who are drug dealers and blame the cops for holding them back from being a successful dealer. Mr. Smitherman needs to get a grip on reality and protest the black on black crime, and the other problems that plague his race.

 
at 10:54 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is ridiculous..and Im glad I dont live in Cincinnati anymore. Everything is about race and its a shame..the naacp is a joke due to the people they have in these positions..and its no wonder its a joke when you have two people like jackson and sharpton running the show !!! Come on..honestly,what do you expect?.. When you have bad leadership it leads to things like this !!!!!! Also,what does MLK day have to do with any of this..what an ignorant comment !!!

 
at 10:59 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree...if you break the law, expect to be caught, roughed-up and taken off to jail where you belong. Take responsibility for your actions. The police rough-up whites too. If you're going to engage in criminal activity you need someone to knock some sense into you. This is not racism, it's common sense.

 
at 11:00 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherland your a clown. And if any body shows up for the protest there clowns to. Protest this but let the blacks keep on killing each other. Cincinnati sucks and so do you.

 
at 11:10 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roger Owensby was a useless punk dope dealer that thought he would resist a pasty faced white cop and ended up getting hisself killed. If he had complied like most people with half a brain do, he wouldn't have been in the altercation in the first place.

I think it tells all we need to know that the martyr of the black community is a no account dope dealer with a bad attitude.

He's in a better place and were as glad about it as we can be. What would have been a tragedy if Caton had been injured having to juggle that piece of garbage.

 
at 11:14 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

how many black police officer's have been fired and then allowed to come back to work? and where is the naacps protest to all the violence AND muders that go one in black neighborhoods? maybe chris should concentrate on that instead of his self promotion.

 
at 11:21 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

People upset because it was four days before MLK Day? OK, so if they waited a few weeks or a few months, the NAACP would find another day to whine about the promotion. And "murder"? Obviously, Smitherman doesn't know the law or he would phrase his wording better. lawsuit for Caton? Go for it!

 
at 11:21 AM, January 30, 2008 Blogger Bud F said...

I'll admit that all I know about the NAACP is what I see on TV and read in the papers, but I don't recall them doing anything proactive in the past 20 years; all they seem to do is complain and protest.

C'mon, NAACP, do something positive for a change. Get off the "us against them" mentality. You'll earn credibility if you do something for the community rather than to it.

 
at 11:23 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roger Owensby was not "murdered", and using the Coroner's determination of "homicide" is not grounds to claim so. Since this incident, we have come to understand a developing medical theory known as "excited delerium". Excited delerium is a culmination of drugs in the system (which Owensby ingested), prolonged physical exertion (the fight), and a myriad of other circumstances (mental illness, poor health, etc). Does this sound at all familiar? Nathanial Jones dies of this very condition. Another accusation of police "murder" that is now medically proven to be nothing more than self-inflicted death....suicide by poor life choices.

Pat Caton may not be the gleaming example of what we want every Cincinnati Police officer to be, but he did "earn" this promotion the same as eveyone else. Smitherman needs his name in the paper and his face on t.v. often enough to feed his overly-inflated ego.

 
at 11:27 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a waste of the city's money. 6.5 million dollars flushed down the drain. Lets waste some more money and rally around the cincinnati police department. I wish I could rally but I work forty hours a week and attend college. Thanks Cincinnati

 
at 11:32 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called 'Christian' white American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be time to save America from imminent disaster -- the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves.

Roger Owensby Jr. had not committed a crime, he was obeying the law, and we all know what that got him, why was he harassed, other than he was black? His death, coupled with Bigoted Caton’s (he be calling folks niggers! over radio!) continued employment serves as example of this areas racism. Why do’s white folk accept the killing of Black men? It’s because you’s all racist Ku-Klukers! I’m with Smitherman, Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.

 
at 11:41 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a black woman and I am EMBARRASSED by the NAACP and Smitherman. I am sick and tired of the black on black violence that is ignored by this group and even more tired of them making a racial issue out of absolutely everything. I believe SMitherman has his own personal agenda and is holding hte black citizens of CIncinnati back rather than leading us to a positive future. I heard once what "NAACP" really stands for, and I agree "N(you-know-what's) Are Always Crying Prejudice" MOVE ON AND MOVE FORWARD!!!

 
at 11:44 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets breakdown how many black people have killed each other since this incident compared to how many white police officers have "killed" black people since this event. Heck, lets breakdown how many white people have killed other whites or blacks compared to black on black murders since this event. I don't have exact figured but I am guessing it is HEAVILY weighted to one side. When is the black on black crime protest? As a white middle class man from the burbs I am willing to attend this protest for a good cause. I want to understand what makes black people think its okay to weekly kill one another. My wife will come, my friends will come, i will even bring my child. I will even make a sign that says, "stop da violence".

 
at 11:48 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

NAACP stands for a good cause. It is the extremist of individuals like Smitherman that give the NAACP a bad wrap. Smitherman does nothing but state lies.

 
at 11:53 AM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is the same old stuff .Naacp loves to
blame any white for anything.They are a hate
group .As a white person
for 40 years in cincy i
would much rather take my
chance with a cop than be
downtown at night.The cincy police can not do anything right in the Naacp's eyes .Good luck
black people seems you
are killing each other
way faster than the police.

 
at 12:04 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The NAACP is a group of swindlers taking advantage of a lower socio-economic class. They stand to profit (or at least gain power and influence) by keeping poor, uneducated blacks under the misbelief that they deserve special treatment from the state and federal governments.
As an educated black man, I take serious offense to the NAACP saying that I can't succeed on my own- and that I require their assistance. I choose not to break the laws, therefore the police tend to leave me alone. Roger Ownesby Jr. didn't die because he was black, he died because he was physically resisting arrest- something you just don't do. While it is an absolute tragedy that this Persian Gulf veteran and father died so young- none of this would have happened if he complied with the police.
Thank God for tasers so that police can stop people without using their batons.

 
at 12:06 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

He is being promoted strictly from a multiple choice test. Due to civil service rules, his performance is NOT reviewed as part of the promotion process. All he has to have is a very very low rating on his annual evaluation to be eligible for the test.

Those protesting must think that he was CHOSEN to be promoted, this is not the case. You can be a great or a poor performer and still get promoted if you score high enough on the test. Additionally, Sergeant is the easiest of all the promotions to get, it is typically even much easier to get than the promotion BELOW it.

 
at 12:09 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Since Blacks are sooo unhappy in Cincinnati,it may be better for them to move to New Orleans, that is being built up beautifully even better than ever,or even to Africa where their skills and talents can be put to good use to rebuild,enrich,educate and empower their people.After all not only is the weather and atmosphere much better, they would be a lot happier,why stick around a place that makes you miserable and be frustrated, when you can have a much more content,fulfilling life?

 
at 12:11 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

waaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
at 12:12 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

lets protest black criminals who get public assistance

 
at 12:13 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The whole issue of racism needs to be addressed entirely because this is really giving Cincinnati a bad reputation. What people need to focus on is working towards a diverse freedom and stop with racism's continuance. It's hindering everyone and we can't grow as a society with this still going on.

 
at 12:20 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think this is rally good that the Enquirer allows the silent majority to have a say in situations like this. As you read these opinions it is plain to see that most people, black and white in Cincinnati are sick of clowns like Smitherman, the same guy that could not get relected to city council. All of the people saw him for what he is, a CLOWN.

 
at 12:22 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

When will Mr. Simthermen start focusing on the REAL problems of his community like black on black killings? Does he even care? His lack of action seems to answer that question. He is a sham and shake down artist in training, like his heroes Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.

 
at 12:31 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

If Mr.Smitherman really wants to "advance" the Black community, why not do things to stop the black youth in Avondale and OTR from committing crimes in the first place. Black-on-black crime in this community is far worse and more widespread than any single police officer's past actions. How many black on black homicides have to occur before Smitherman starts to protest them?

 
at 12:31 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you hate this city, the police, the people leave. I don't care about you and most people here don't care about you. It is not my job to hold your hand in life. If I felt like my life was in danger and my families life I would move. Stop! isn't this city in enough problems without you trying to start a riot again. Just about every top person from the city right now is black, mayor, city manager, fire chief, people on city council ect. If you are doing wrong... You know what... congradulations Office Caton.

 
at 12:41 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

For the non blacks commenting, you will NEVER know what it is like to be discriminated against. It is like we have reverted back to the 50's. Imus can make his racist comments, the 'commentator' from the golf channel makes reference about lynching, and so on. Even here in Cincinnati, we are perceived as beneath whites and a black life means nothing.No, you should not run from the police, but look what has happened to some innocent blacks that have not run. Blacks have been treated differently in this city. The white lady who left her baby in the car that died, rec'd no punishment. The black lady who left her kids in the closet, that are still alive, has been in jail since. A black lady was jailed for a dog that was on a lease and killed in her yard. There are so many more examples, but why even list them. I am sure whites will justify my examples. There is racial disparity in this city! If Smitherman wants to fight for blacks, then let him. We all have a job to do , like it or not. Many are telling him to get over it, why don't you all get over it and let him do what he needs to do. If the officers did nothing wrong, the Owensby family would not have rec'd 6.5M. Think about that? That amount was not to pacify the family. Caton is a racist, used the 'n' word several times and I actually had dealings with him on the road. He cut me off in his own personal vehicle and when I got up next to him, he gave me the finger and this is who we have protecting us. Blacks do commit crimes against each other but so do whites. This city was about healing, but the scab has been pulled off and we are back where we started. Caton, Jorg and whatever bad officers or people in general who do wrong will eventually have to deal with the consequences. You reap what you sow!

 
at 12:42 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

An appropriate public response would be no TV, no newspapers, no one showing up to watch. Then, it would defeat his purpose because he is obviously self promoting and cares nothing for the community.

 
at 12:44 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

It amazes me how much the people of the city (black and white) are so caught up with their own agendas. Do I think the officer should have got his job back? No, but I am not the one who negotiated the FOP contract with the city. It's a point that can be amended, but it will not change what has already happened. If people truly want to move forward in this city, do something positive to create a sense of community, not racial divide like suburban jane d'oh and Malcolm Little. They preach hate and falsehoods such as this is all at the doing of conservatives. People of Cincinnati need to start being bigger people and things will happen. I also want to throw a fact in that more than half the population of the United States was not alive during the Jim Crow Era.

 
at 1:07 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This last comment is an embarrassment to the people of Cincinnati. I don't care how long you have lived in Cincinnati, you are what's wrong with it. To say the phrase "black people" just shows how classless you are. You appear to be saying that all black people are murderers. You should be ashamed!

Now, for the issue at hand. I usually don't support the NAACP, but I have not problem with this protest. This guy obviously has racial issues and yet he keeps getting promoted. To give this guy a promotion, especially over the MLK holiday is just wrong. If you want to promote him at least do it away from this day.

However, Smitherman is still someone I wish would leave the city and never come back. To call this guy a murderer is like calling anyone who is found innocent of a crime, regardless of race, a criminal. I firmly believe that he only does things to get attention, just like a child.

Bravo for those who can protest rationally because of their beliefs and not just for face time.

 
at 1:13 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I admit Cincinnati police may have some bad apples. For the most part every officer tries to make the right decision. What some fail to realize is most of those decisions are mad in split seconds and not days of analyzing reports after the fact. It is plain and simple, if you comply with what an officer says there will not be any force used. This is a very simple action that with out a shadow of a doubt would have saved the lives of timothy Thomas and Owensby. They made the choice not to comply the officer did not. For anyone to say that they used bad tactics when trying to apprehend the suspect I have a couple questions. In both areas the young men died it is a very violent area. These officers have probably recovered numerous guns off of people resisting and fleeing on foot. First question do you know what it feels like chasing someone who may very well have a gun then when you are able to put your hands on him he wants to fight? If the criminal doesn’t have a gun and is fighting for another reason, if the police officer loses the fight the criminal now could take the officers gun and use it on him. Do you know how it feels knowing as a police officer if you lose this struggle it may be the last time you are on earth. I know most people with common sense are going to understand this and I know other people are so clouded that they will not allow themselves to see it from the police officers perspective. They only want to look at it from one side.

 
at 1:14 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don Smith
I was a talk show host in Cincinnati for 6 years, did a lot of positive community work in Cincinnati and advocated for individual rights for all people. Reading the comments from the citizens of Cincinnati, I am glad I moved to Albuquerque 2 years ago. Chris Smitherman has a right and oblilgation to speak out against injustices. Racism hasn't hasn't gone away. It is systematic and instutional. The person who talks about Black on Black crime doesn't know that when you live in a predominately Black area, Blacks are the only ones that other Blacks can victimize. It is the product of the institution of racism. Cincinnati is a city that operates under the Good Ole Boy network and functions at its best when political Black leaders don't speak out when injustices occur. Peace.

 
at 1:16 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

All it is...violence. Racism only exists in those that are rasist. I myself feel that no matter what your skin color - violence against another person should not be ignored. Even if it was a so-called accident. As for any racial group including the NAACP - the fight should be for the fair treatment and equal treatment of all people. Excluding other races only proves their own blinded eyes. I am sure many of the officers that have received promotions have tarnished job histories and for that our city should be ashamed. More personality testing should be done upon hiring of officers of the law to ensure that the people who are hired are of good moral standing.

 
at 1:48 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beat your kid, and you too can be president!

 
at 1:50 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This was planned as a slap in the face to those that celebrate Mr. Kings birthday and to Black people. The racism that existed years ago when I lived there hasn't changed a bit. I can relate to that blogger of seeing the police brutalize someone and then yourself being threatened because you asked them to stop. Cincy police have an arrogance that's unmatched and has gone unchecked for years. This is just a continuation of the Good Old Boys Network..

 
at 1:51 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is not a surprising move by Mr. Smitherman, just another excuse to create more racial tension in Cincinnati...try becomming a part of the solution instead of fueling the fire for more violence. It's getting old, really.

 
at 1:54 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the person who left the comments at 1:13 today and the others that suggest we should all obey any officers request. WHATEVER. I see a cop, I look the other way. I can't stand cops. I'm white and a law abiding citizen. I can't imagin how I would feel if I was a minority around here. The simple facts of common sense are this; a very bad cop murdered an unarmed man. Officer Canton was fired, rightfully so, the city of Cincinnati was sued for 6.5 miliion dollars by the victims family (good for them). You would think it would end there, but heck know here in Cincinnati we have to cave into the FOP Union criminals and not only rehire Officer Canton but know since he was able to pass a simple minded test he's now being promoted.

The will of the people matters most to the people. The cops would be perceived by the citizens in a positive way if they would stand up for what is right and say NO I WILL NOT WORK WITH OFFICER CANTON. If enough cops where to stand long enough and stand firm, we would see action, and then the cops might see some cooperation. BUT NOT BEFORE.

 
at 2:00 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Again, we have another black man whining and forcing the issue of race when there shouldn't be an issue. The family of the thug kid who died was looking for a handout and they got it. The city would have never awarded a white family anything. It's time we stand up against those who always want to make everything an issue of race and stop giving in to the NCAAP and that clown who tried to stop the Lakota play.

 
at 2:08 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

AS FOR MALCOMB WHITE AND SURBURBAN JANE, WHAT IF HISPANCIS AND WHTIES, WHO ARE TREATED HORRIBLY BY BLACKS, START PROTESTING AND RIOTING? WHY ARE YOU BLAMING PEOPLE OF TODAY WHO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PAST AND THE INJUSTICES? IF THE PRISONERS HAD BEEN WHITES OR HISPANICS, WOULD YOU HAVE CARED? I AGREE WITH THE MAN WHO SUGGESTS YOU MOVE TO A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN BE HAPPIER, NO SENSE IN BEING MISERABLE AND FRUSTATED.

 
at 2:12 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

INSTEAD OF ALL THIS RACIAL STRIFE WHICH NOTHING POSITIVE COMES FROM, HOW ABOUT CONCENTRATING ON GETTING JOBS, GOOD,GREAT JOBS BACK TO CINCINNATI, AS IN DOWNTOWN, SO EVERYONE CAN BE BUSY AT WORK AND MAKING A GOOD LIFE FOR THEMSELVES, EVERYONE. NOW THAT SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
at 2:20 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mr. Former Radio Host has finally done what I've been waiting for some bozo to do....he just blamed Whitey for Black on Black crime...

Stunning, Amazing, Sad, and horrible Racist.

Go play in traffic, Ron New Mexico.

 
at 2:27 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

For all the people who are going against the promotion shame on you. All the charges were dropped and maybe this would not be an issue if almost all crimes inside city limits are from the minorities!! Look up the FACTS before you talk!!!!!!!!!

 
at 2:27 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's all go to the Freedom Center and protest and finally make use of this public space

 
at 2:28 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am tired of people being accused of racism when they disagree with the NAACP using the race card for things that have nothing to do with race. We have police officers who can't do their job anymore out of fear of lawsuits and we have crime out of control. From what I can see of these comments, a lot of Cincinnatians are finally opening their eyes to the fact that just because NAACP says something does not make it so.

Officer Caton has every right to take his promotion. Go away race shakedown artists! People see through you now.

 
at 2:30 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherman is back on the radio! Saturday 5pm-6:30pm on 1230 THE BUZZ. I know all of you Smitherman haters will be listening. It's going to be a hot show!

 
at 2:35 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

DOES THAT FORMER TALK SHOW HOST WANT ALL THE HISPANICS AND WHITES IN CINCINNATI VICTIMED AND BLAMED FOR THE PAST THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH? ALSO THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH BLACK ON BLACK CRIMES, AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT HERE, LEAVE, GO SOMEPLACE WHERE YOU CAN BE HAPPY. YOU ARE THROWING UP RACIAL INJUSTICES AND HURTING PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT REPSONSIBLE FOR IT AND HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

 
at 2:38 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The NAACP is a joke... Deal with the bigger problems like your communities falling apart with no Dads around and young kids not going to school and committing violent crimes and stop worrying about who gets a job promotion...

 
at 2:41 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

IS AL SHARPTON GOING TO BE THERE? MORE THAN LIKELY HE WILL. HE'S ALWAYS WHERE HE DOESN'T BELONG AND CAUSSES RACIAL TROUBLE WHERE THERE IS NO RACISM AT ALL. LEAVE THE OFFICER ALONE AND LET HIM LIVE HIS LIFE. HE WAS ACQUITTED PEOPLE!!!. MAYBE IF WE STOP HEARING OF BLACK PEOPLE SHOOTING BLACK PEOPLE ON THE NEWS EVERY NIGHT, WE WOULDN'T FEEL THEY WAY WE DO.

 
at 2:41 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Until African Americans stop using the race card every chance they get, they will never advance in society.

Quit trying to blame others and look in the mirror and figure out how you can better yourself.

 
at 2:47 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm pleased that Roxanne Qualls heard the African-American community and proposed the resolution condemning the promotion of Officer Caton. Mallory better take more of a public stance, otherwise, Qualls will be the Mayor in 2009.

 
at 2:47 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am SO tired of blacks in Cincinnati crying racism and injustice. YOU are the ones doing the hurting and killing. YOU are the ones that committ ALL of the crime in Cincinnati.

Blacks have taken over this city, they run wild here and I say congratulations to Sergeant Caton. We need more police officers like him to show the black community that we will not tolerate their actions anymore.

 
at 2:48 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The fact is it was cheaper to pay 6.5 million than to fight for what was right, it was strictly a business decision. In addition, do you think that the owensby family has given any of that money to the NAACP or any like organizations, I think not!!!!!! For those at the protest down at city hall, Go to work and quit crying.

 
at 2:57 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

anon: at 1:54, you are prejudging all Cincinnati police as bad apples you may want to look at yourself because, if I were to prejudge a group based on one person's actions you would call me biased or a racist....but I guess since you think all Cincinnati police are bad it is ok and NO one should trust them. For the person who said that the police are afraid of being sued you are Sooo Right. LOOOOOK at this guy who is saying he will not comply with police based solely on the issue we are talking about. The police are being prejudged by certain people even before they do their job and not willing to accept the facts when they are produced. They want to believe all Cincinnati police are bad. I think the police should do something about that and see how prosperous this city becomes without all these horrible cops some think we have.

 
at 2:57 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am really amazed at the racial comments posted about Smitherman. He is the NAACP president. The organization created to procted the rights of people of color. What do you expect him to do? The comments seem to reflect the tone of racial divisiveness in Cincinnati. We never seem to agree on anything. This officer has a questionable past but to some people it is OK to mistreat blacks no matter how discusting it is. Our city cannot advance because of this. City council never gets anything accomplished because of this. The most shameful part is that those making the comments against Smitherman don't seem to notice that they are just as racially motivated.

 
at 2:58 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is ridiculous Mallory is an embarassment. Caton did nothing wrong! Congratulations to him on the promotion.

 
at 3:06 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Patrick Caton on his promotion!! Some people that have left comments should check their grammar before trying to be taken seriously on any argument they have. Good way to represent that awesome education.

 
at 3:06 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Boowho you black baby. The blacks have already run down the city of cincinnati and they are determined to make it worse. Please NAACP stop being hypocrits and start bettering the lives of your fellow brothers by showing them a life without crime and drugs. Very few people are willing to risk their lives to go downtown and spend their money because the criminal blacks have taken over. Those who read my post and think I'm a racist need to realize I am just stating the facts. I would not want to walk down the streets in Franklin either because of the white trash that lives there. The police officer did NOT murder the criminal. He was hired back because there was no reason to fire him. He has a family and works hard for a living which is more than I can say for all the blacks/whites who showed up at city council today to protest. And please Mr. Mallory, from reading all of these posts today, you do not speak for the city when saying he should not be promoted.

 
at 3:07 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WHITES ARE AGAINST BLACKS, I KNOW A LOT MORE FEEL SORRY FOR THEM THAN HATE THEM, BUT, LISTEN, AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, IS IS NOT FAIR TO BLAME THE PEOPLE TODAY FOR WHAT HAPPENED IN HE PAST. IT IS NOT FAIR FOR INNOCENT PEOPLE TO BE BLAMED AND VICTIMIZED FOR INJUSTICES THEY HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH.

 
at 3:19 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Brittany:

You sound real stupid. We as blacks commit ALL the crimes..Pick up a newspaper, watch the news and quit showing your ignorance. With thinking like that, we will never get ahead in this city.. Take off your white hood and read!!!!

 
at 3:26 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

ROGER OWENSBY DIED BECAUSE OF HIS OWN ACTIONS AND NOT THE ACTIONS OF THOSE OFFICERS IVOLVED ..HE WAS A DRUG DEALER WHO RESISTED ARREST AND RAN FROM THE POLICE. THE POLICE WERE JUST DOING THEIR JOBS.
WHY ARE THE POLICE ALWAYS SUCH THE BADGUYS IN BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS.
THEY PATROL BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS AND FIGHT BLACK CRIME. ALL THEY ARE TRYING TO DO IS MAKE NEIGHBORHOODS SUCH AS ROSELAWN, OTR, WESTWOOD, AND CUMMINSVILLE SAFE FROM DRUG DEALING AND THE VIOLENCE THAT COMES ALONG WITH IT. I'M SURE IF ROGER OWNSBY OR TIMOTHY THOMAS HAD NOT RUN OR BEEN DOING THE THINGS THEY WERE DOING, THEY WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY.

WHEN DOES SMITHERMAN EVER SCREAM OR TALK ABOUT THE RESPONISABITY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY? DOES HE EVER ADDRESS THE THE ISSUES OF TEEN PREGANCY, SINGLE MOTHER HOUSEHOLDS WITH MULTIPLE CHILDREN, WELFARE REFORM, HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES, DRUG DEALING YOUNG BLACK MALES. DOES HE EVER TELL PEOPLE THAT IF YOU GET STOPPED BY THE POLICE AND YOUR NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG YOU SHOULD'NT HAVE A PROBLEM. THAT RUNNING FROM THE POLICE IS WRONG AND WILL ONLY MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE. THESE ABOVE ISSUES ARE TOO COMPLICATED FOR MR. SMITHERMAN TO ADDRESS. THEY ARE NOT ROMANTIC TO ADDRESS.
MR. SMITHERMAN WOULD RATHER HANG ON TO THE OLD CLICHE "POLICE BRUTAILITY RAP" THAN PRESENT SOME VIABLE PROGRESSIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ENGAGE THE INTER CITY BLACK COMMUNITY TODAY

 
at 3:26 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so happy I moved away from the Queen City. What a freakin' joke you are.

The worst job in the United States is that of an officer with CPD; the community you protect does not support you, the stooges you continue to elect to represent you (did I read Qualls is back? You should be ashamed) don't support you--if I were an officer, I would sit in my car my whole shift and do the crossword puzzle.

Good luck with the Banks project you morons. Should have a plan by 2050. Cincinnati has made the whole region a joke...

 
at 3:32 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the whites who seem to think that the NAACP and blacks in general don't stand up against black on black crime, there have been tons of programs/marches/rallies regarding the topic. Its just that you all don't come out of your house because you prefer to spew the same bland good ole boy rhetoric from a computer. The fact of the matter is that this man and his partner killed an innocent BLACK man in the city. Not in Mason, not in West Chester, not in Fairfield, but in Cincinnati. We're the ones who have to put up with racist evil city police, not you know-it-all surburbanites. Why don't you all enter the real world and quit hiding.

 
at 3:32 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the 4:03 PM post:
Homicide is not the same as murder - fact. Look it up.

 
at 3:48 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope council does denounce his promotion in public. Then, the cop can get big money in a civil suit against the City of Cincinnati for libel. That would be true justice.

 
at 3:49 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This individual cost the tax payers 6.1 million for obvious wrong doing. Promote him but divert any increases to paying back the debt we assumed for his actions.

 
at 3:53 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

SMITHERMAN DID NOT GET RE-ELECTED TO CITY COUNCIL....HE SHOULD ASK HIMSELF WHY. HIS PERSONAL AGENDA LED THE WAY TO UNPRODUCTIVE RESULTS AS A COUNCILMAN. THE WHITE NOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CITIZENS OF CINCINNATI VOTED TO REINSTATE HIM TO CITY COUNCIL. BY USING THE NAACP FOR HIS CURRENT PLATFORM OF PROTEST IS JUST AS UNPRODUCTIVE. ALL THIS ENERGY, MR. SMITHERMAN, COULD BE USED TO WORK WITH CITY COUNCIL AND THE POLICE TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE RESULTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES NEEDING HELP. YOUR UNIFORM ON A DAILY BASIS DOES NOT HAVE A BULLSEYE ON THE BACK REGARDLESS OF YOUR COLOR. YOU WOULD BE THE FIRST PERSON TO CALL THE POLICE IF BEING VICTIMIZED BY EITHER WHITE OR BLACK IN ONE OF OUR COMMUNITIES. IF OFFICER CATON IS DETAILED TO COME TO YOUR AID, WOULD YOU TURN HIS SERVICES DOWN TO HELP YOU? IT IS REALLY DISAPPOINTING THAT IN 2008 WE ARE READING ABOUT RACISM IN CINCINNATI. PLEASE TRY AND FOCUS ON DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE INSTEAD OF HARBORING HATRED YOURSELF FOR ACTIONS PEOPLE HAVE PAID A PRICE FOR ALREADY. PERHAPS TRYING A DIFFERENT APPROACH WOULD RESULT IN POSITIVE SOLUTIONS TO OUR PROBLEMS IN CINCINNATI.

 
at 3:58 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again our city council shows its true colors in not backing the police. Officer Caton went through the legal process and was not charged with anything. If this man was a criminal and served time in prison our council would welcome him with open arms.

This lack of backing of the police is once again the main reason people are flocking out of the city.

When are we going to realize we cannot keep electing the same people time and time again until term limits run out. Do you really think that this group did anything to deserve re-election?

Come Cincinnati wise up.

 
at 3:58 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a white who is not against blacks at all, I hate how they have been treated, but I do not want anyone to be mistreated, black or white. I do not believe whites are against blacks, I just think everyone is tired of having discrimination thrown in their faces when they really are not prejudiced. It is time to quit the racist crap. Neither whites or blacks want to be victimized.

 
at 4:01 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's easy for the blogger to accuse Black folks of committing all the crimes in Cincy because you have prosecutors that let white women molest young boys; fry their kids in cars and even help dispose of a childs body without ever seeing the inside of a jail. Can't even get upset over the obvious prejudice because the newspapers say it all.

 
at 4:04 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the whites who seem to think that the NAACP and blacks in general don't stand up against black on black crime, there have been tons of programs/marches/rallies regarding the topic.

It's quite obvious the tons of programs/marches/rallies aren't working. Perhaps if the NAACP & the black population devoted more time to worthwhile programs, you'd have cred in Cincinnati. The marches & rallies are so 1960 anti-segregation. Don't heap your sins on the backs of those who fled the city & those who continue to stay & suffer at the hands of the criminals. Take responsibility for your sins, messes & crude behaviors.

 
at 4:17 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't thing the City of Cincinnati scheduled the promotional exam intentionally around the MLK holiday. To think that a city in 2008 would operate like that is ludacris! Those who sit around and think like that need to move on and grow up!! Its 2008!!!

 
at 4:19 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

White people do commit crimes, however, the crime level in OTR, Westwood, Avondale, etc. is triple than what it is in Delhi, Green Twp and other predominantly white neighborhoods in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati is #16 on the most dangerous to live list and this list was based off of murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Those are the things that go down in the black neighborhoods.

 
at 4:34 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Read through the comments on this blog and you get a pretty clear picture that racism is alive and thriving in Cincinnati 2008. How freakin embarassing. We truely are the pitty of a nation gone madd.

 
at 4:39 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

at 10:13 PM, January 28, 2008 Malcom Little said...
Where’s that intolerant white boy’s beat? I’m surprised he’s still breathing up our good air.

EXCUSE ME??? IS THIS HOW THE BLACK COMMUNITY WANTS THE WHITE COMMUNITY TO SEE IT??? TALK ABOUT RACISM!!

AND NEXT....

at 12:03 AM, January 29, 2008 Anonymous said...
I am glad that I will be one of the many there to protest Caton's promotion. This will be a changing day for all of Cincinnati, it's bound to happen regarless of the conservatives.

I AM EMBARASSED BY THESE COMMENTS!

 
at 4:45 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

This issue is over. The man was tried and he was found not guilty. He is therefore not guilty of a crime. He was then fired from his job for violating the policy of the police department. The city did this knowing from the testimony of the trial that Caton did not violate policy. Caton followed the appeal procedure and was reinstated to his job. This was very predictable, as we all knew what the testimony would be. The city persisted and appealed the rulling of the arbitrator over and over, and each court held that the officer should be reinstated to his job, all the way up to and including the Ohio Supreme Court. The city admitted wrongdoing, apologised and paid 6.5 million to the family of the deceased.

Now Caton has been promoted through the same channels that every other officer passes through to attempt to further their carear. Promoted through the same tests that the NAACP and the Centinals have fought for and established as a fair mesure of promotability. Now the city and the NAACP does not like it. They can do nothing about it legaly. What they can do is grandstand, mug for the cameras, and do their level best to divide the community. It is afterall what they do best. What do they think they will get from the grandstanding? The courts have ruled that Caton is not guilty of a crime. The courts have ruled that the city wrongfully fired him. He has been promoted through a process that the NAACP and the organization that represents black officers in the city helped to create so that it would be fair to all. What will we get next fom this ? More bad publicity localy and nationaly for an incident that has been DONE and OVER for years.

 
at 4:54 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Actually, that is quite the accomplishment to score high enough on that test to be promoted as a white male. If I am not mistaken you get graded on a curve for being a minority.

 
at 4:59 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sergeant Canton, on your well-deserved promotion.

We're counting on you to keep the black thugs in check. Give the black criminals of Cincinnati a bear hug from the law-abiding, tax-paying citizens of Cincinnati. Squeeze real tight.

 
at 5:31 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so sick of people bashing the police - stop breaking the law and there will not be a problem. As for racial prejudice, I never cease to be amazed by the number of people who use their skin color whenever it is convenient for them. I don't care who you are - skin color is not an excuse to commit a crime, nor is it an ecuse to get out of punishment by crying "foul". Instead of complaining about the police, why don't you try to stop all the criminals! You won't get away with this whining in Cleveland, Detroit or Chicago!

As for the officer, he did his job - do you want to do it? - I'd bet not! And don't tell me "he chose that profession" - we don't pay any of them nearly enough to risk their lives the way they do in this city. I hope he gets another promotion after this one!

 
at 5:36 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

As long as Officer Canton is a Cincinnati Policy Officer, this problem isn't DONE. Again, I say, 'IF' there are any decent policy officers in Cincinnati they will stand with the citizens and against Officer Canton. When they wake up and come to their senses they should see if they would stand up for what is right they might go a long way towards reconciling with the community. 'IF' their fear is that in doing so they will go against their Union, then they should ask themselves if this is the type of union that realy represents the good officers. I say it's not. 'IF' the cops fear that this situation could happen to them, I say, if you feal that your temper and zest for power might put you into a similar situation, you shouldn't be a cop. OFFICER CANTON PLEASE STEP DOWN.

 
at 5:59 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please!!!!! Roxanne Qualls go crawl back under the rock wherever that's been the last several years.
IDIOT !!!!!!!!!!

 
at 6:01 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

In a town where EVERY murder of the last 2 years was by a black person I would think the police would be quicker to draw the gun, but they still show much restraint- go figure. I was beaten by a deer park officer in 80s so bad that I had to spend the night in the hospitol and this was for being a 15 year old knocking on a door and running (juvie prank, but no vandolism) so I understand that there are bad cops that exercise too much power, but when you look at the situation in Cincinnati these cries of racism are clearly overblown.
What that community is doing is ensuring that the crimminals take over as the police hang back because they no longer can safely do their job.
Thanks God for the suburbs.

 
at 6:04 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Blacks have to be hired and promoted as a matter of a court decree. How about this: they can have Canton and in turn we will do away with hiring all but the most qualified individuals. I wonder how many blacks would be hired then? My guess...very few.

 
at 6:26 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just because the coroner ruled the case a "homicide" does not mean that it was a "murder". The ruling of homicide simply means that the death took place at de to the result of actions by another person. The coroners office has since changed its policy on such rulings. This change took place after the death of Nathanial Jones- which was also going to be ruled a "homicide". They knew that certain groups in this city would have viewed that incorrectly, so they changed their ruling catagories. For something to have been a murder, why werent there murder charges filed, and why werent they able to covict him of a simple assault case. Please sir...get YOUR FACTS straight!

 
at 8:02 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why is it that I always hear about black crime in OTR/Avondale, as I recall I see a whole lot of white folks coming into the neighborhood to buy drugs, pick-up,or solicit, plus alot of other things that I thought was against the law????!!!!!

 
at 8:13 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why is it that I always hear about "black" crime in OTR. Last time I walked OTR I seen plenty of drug users,peddlers,prostitutes and thieves, and guess what? They were white!!!!!!

 
at 8:28 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why has the Enquirer essentialy buried this story on their website.
This should be on the front page you cowards !!

 
at 10:14 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

anonymous 5:59, that is not a rock that Qualls has been under, it's a clam.

 
at 10:22 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

The sad fact of the matter is so many people are basing Sgt. Caton's guilt on the fact that POLITICIANS agreed to pay over 6 million dollars to settle a civil suit. These would be the same politicians who have ratified contracts with the FOP and then want to blame the FOP for lawfully representing its membership. How expedient for Ms. Qualls and Mayor Mallory to condemn Sgt. Caton and the FOP. This is typical city politics. No, Ms. Qualls, the FOP and other officers should not stand in opposition to Sgt. Caton's promotion. You are an elected official - act like one. I am curious as to why Councilman Cecil Thomas, a retired officer, does not speak out. Surely he knows the truth to these matters.
The problem here is nobody wants to accept truth and fact... they interfere with opinions.

 
at 10:38 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Racism, prejudice, and ignorance is still very well and alive in this city...if you dont believe me read back through the comments on this blog...this isnt about smitherman or the NAACP...this is about respect...something that the Cincinnati police department so desperately lacks for their African American citizens.

 
at 10:41 PM, January 30, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I challenge Chris Smitherman to put on a badge and a gun and patrol a high drug beat.....and work there for a couple of years.
But first I would like to see him get hired by the standards they set for male whites for the postion of Cincinnati Police Officer.

 
at 8:54 AM, January 31, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Smitherman, educationally, exceeds the CPD standards to be hired as a police officer as well as many of the white officers who have no college degree. A BS in Criminal Justice from Ohio State and a Master's Degree from Bowling Green State. The man runs 3 miles a day...I think Smitherman would be very capable. However, he does a greater service for the community by working to give them a voice.

 
at 9:45 AM, January 31, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so sick of the incessant whining, let it go people!! Believe it or not, not everything that happens in this city has to do with your race. Cops can't even do their jobs anymore without the fear of someone crying 'he's picking on me just because I'm black'.

 
at 11:47 AM, January 31, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Murderis the word to use, Caton's racism and arrogance exudes, throughout his work and comments to date, and makes one hesitate, it would seem of the two charged for that day, Jorg was innocent,and if I had my way , this so called officer would find his feet behind a desk far from the street, For men of color he should not meet.

 
at 12:52 PM, January 31, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am from the east coast,and read your paper once and a while. After reading this story I find the naacp Christopher Smitherman a moron. When was this cop convited of murder?? You sound like that clown al sharpton. What I read, he went threw the courts and the civil service system and guess what he has these rights. You sound like the rasist. Grow up.

 
at 12:02 AM, February 01, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where's Cosby, Brown, Williams, when you you need them?? They all know this is insanity unleased.

Smitherman couldn't carry Jim Brown's jock.

 
at 7:21 PM, February 05, 2008 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sergeant Canton, on your well-deserved promotion.

We're counting on you to keep the black thugs in check. Give the black criminals of Cincinnati a bear hug from the law-abiding, tax-paying citizens of Cincinnati. Squeeze real tight.

 
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