Cycling is Tough Enough
Twice I have been the victim of people using my blog to further their agenda.
Once was during a statewide election five years ago.
The second time was this week. If you are reading this for the first time, it is because Paul Tay sent you misinformation, and has asked you to join him in pressuring me to do something I do not want to do.
I will reserve my thoughts about Paul Tay and his dreadful impact on cycling issues in Tulsa. Anyone who knows Paul also knows that he has absolutely zero credibility in this city. It is unfortunate that such an articulate, intelligent man has a screw loose somewhere, to the point where he is unable to affect change in an area that so desperately needs it. But enough about that.
Paul has told you that I have a video of a Tulsa police officer making comments about cyclists. True.
He told you that it is an angry exchange of words. False.
He wants me to release it to the public, but I won't. Here is why.
Paul has a personal vendetta against the Tulsa Police Department. I do not. I have several friends who serve with the department, and have the highest respect for them. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but the vast majority of the ones I know are hard working people who put their lives on the line every day. Posting this video online would impugn the entire department. I guess this is something Paul Tay wants. Not me.
The video is in the possession of an attorney who will advise me of what to do with it. If he believes it rises to the level that would suggest discipline by his employer, then we will forward it to the authorities. If it does not, we will let it lie.
Once was during a statewide election five years ago.
The second time was this week. If you are reading this for the first time, it is because Paul Tay sent you misinformation, and has asked you to join him in pressuring me to do something I do not want to do.
I will reserve my thoughts about Paul Tay and his dreadful impact on cycling issues in Tulsa. Anyone who knows Paul also knows that he has absolutely zero credibility in this city. It is unfortunate that such an articulate, intelligent man has a screw loose somewhere, to the point where he is unable to affect change in an area that so desperately needs it. But enough about that.
Paul has told you that I have a video of a Tulsa police officer making comments about cyclists. True.
He told you that it is an angry exchange of words. False.
He wants me to release it to the public, but I won't. Here is why.
Paul has a personal vendetta against the Tulsa Police Department. I do not. I have several friends who serve with the department, and have the highest respect for them. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but the vast majority of the ones I know are hard working people who put their lives on the line every day. Posting this video online would impugn the entire department. I guess this is something Paul Tay wants. Not me.
The video is in the possession of an attorney who will advise me of what to do with it. If he believes it rises to the level that would suggest discipline by his employer, then we will forward it to the authorities. If it does not, we will let it lie.
I usually struggle knowing what to do in situations that are so out of the ordinary. This situation is about as out of the ordinary as can be.
Wow!
If you go public, then it will probably cost this fellow his job. I am not saying he deserves to keep his job, but I am sure you are factoring this in.
If you restrict your public sharing to this blog site only, then you probably will not make as big an impact as you would like to make to change public behavior towards cyclists.
I am just thinking out loud at this point . . . the problem is that this really is a moral issue either way.
I would probably lean toward not going public. This is my personal feeling. The problem you are dealing with is not going to change overnight. I like to work on people's hearts over time, and not through "shock value. But that is just me. I could see this through either way.
I know this doesn't really answer your question. But, perhaps, this only shows how good of a question you bring to us.
Be Blessed,
MR
I say put the video up. What the officer did was inexcusable. Let the world view his irrationality.
If what he threatened to do was against the law, I think you are under an obligation to the law, to go to his superiors. Video and all.
Your friend should already have done that, but I understand he may not have. I was a Reserve Police Officer here, many years ago, so I get that. But I don't think you have a choice.
I'd tell your friend first, and perhaps even offer to give him the video and go with him when it's presented.
The least of your concerns would be that he'd actually do what he threatened, and someone would be hurt or killed. Reporting it is simply the right thing to do, and that's the overriding reason, in my mind.
ps: I'd also copy the video.
While I fully support the men and women of law enforcement, I too have found that there are always a couple of rotten apples spoiling the whole barrel within virtually any law enforcement agency. Consequently, I would fully support you taking the video directly to the Tulsa Police Department and firmly informing them that they have an “issue”. However, if you remain hesitant, perhaps your friend could provide you with some advice as to how to proceed as exposing this “officer” may actually be a way of helping your friend and the other officers who ARE doing a fine job. Regardless, having had “altercations” while riding a bicycle myself, I would suggest that you keep your health insurance current. Good luck!
you post the video. this is inexcusable. imagine if he goes through with his threats and someone is seriously hurt or killed. posting the video thereafter or offering as evidence is too little, too late. the guy sounds like a sociopath. post the video.
Before posting anything you should check and see what the law is on OK regarding video taping someone without their permission. There have been instances in other states where activists have been arrested, harassed, and life generally made hell for publicly shaming a power figure.
Zealots of any type that are so dogmatically attached to an antiquated idea are hard to deal with. We are better of not wasting too many of our thought cycles on someone that will not change. We are better off finding ways around them.
I say take it to law enforcement. If this man followed through on his threats, you'd have to live with that for the rest of your life.
If you do not release it then the accusation is just malicious hearsay. I will release it on my youtube channel if you like.
I wouldn't call it malicious. I did not name any names. And it isn't hearsay unless you repeat it. After all, I have the video.
No, Tulsan, I am leaning toward providing a copy of the video to internal affairs, and let them deal with it. That is the best advice I have gotten so far.
Nothing he said was illegal by just saying the words. The actions if followed through with are. I myself give riders there room. However I have wanted to put oil on the road during Tulsa Tough. When that weekend come around every year I become a prisoner in my own house, because I happen to live in the path of the race. My mother was in the hospital one year and I had to threaten to just pull out on the road to get them to let me out. If it was just the race I might be able to handle it, however the noise level is almost unbearable. The spectators leave trash on my yard, set up chairs and kill the grass, people decide the "secluded" fence is a public restroom. Also it's one of those things where the riders want respect but where is the respect for drivers? Where most do give the respect and share the road. There is a small percentage that will take the entire road and not share. Along with that I think most drivers share the road, but the same small percentage don't. It's these small percentages from both groups that cause all of the animosity.
Thank you for your comment, Bob. Now, let me get this straight. Because you are inconvenienced ONCE A YEAR, you are willing to injure, maim, or kill a cyclist? That's messed up. You admit that MOST cyclists are respectful and courteous, but because of the few who are not, you are going to put oil on the road, causing harm to innocent people? You sir, need help. Professional help. To deal with your anger and resentment. I can give you a referral to a mental health professional if you like.
And you are not entirely correct regarding the officer in question. Whereas he may not have done anything illegal, his remarks are improper, given the fact that he is in uniform and on duty. I would venture to guess that anyone who calls himself a public servant, and who makes comments like the ones he made, would be out of a job, and rightfully so.
Not cycle-related, but last night's OKC news had a segment about a lady who took photos of two police cars parked in the only two handicap spots while they ate at a restaurant. The reporter showed them to the Warr Acres Police Chief, who acknowledged that it was completely unacceptable and he would track the cars and take care of the problem. The lady actually had a handicap tag for her husband, but they don't usually use it. Her brother and late father were police officers.
It might not change the attitudes of the two officers in the wrong, but it may influence other officers who would otherwise think it was acceptable behavior.
Bob C is exactly correct. You are obligated to report the intent of criminal activity once you know of it. If what you are saying is true, your friend should have already made a report to his/her commanding officer, and you are obligated to do so too. Failure to report the intent to commit a crime is a crime.
I'm wondering about the validity of this issue. I did forward it to TPD. It scares me that much. Someone here is very wrong.
Jason: on April 9 I was viciously attacked by a Tulsa Police Officer following an accident. I was punched, pepper-sprayed, and tortured with handcuffs. I have a right to know if this is the cop who did this. Please contact me at 918-770-3030. Tulsans have a right to know who this monster is and in particular I will subpoena this tape if not released pursuant to litigation. I am sorry to have to force your hand in this but this is no longer optional. Please!
I would be happy to share it with you if you want to see it. Send me an email, and we can make arrangements to meet so you can see the video. But I won't give you a copy unless the court orders me to.
Well, I guess you should confide in your TPD bike officer Friend. Tell them about the encounter. Was this an ambellished story on the officers part? Or was he sincere? Was he aware of the recording?
I'd contact TPD internal affairs. If they refuse to handle it appropriately, I'd post the video and contact local news media.
Yep. Paul Tay is a chinko commie jackass on two wheels. He hates spandex. He hates God. And, he eats dogs. Last time I saw him a few years ago at my friend Shane Hood's architect studio on 11th Street, Mr. Chinko was drunk and having sex with a chicken. Here he is on crack....http://pimpthistownvotepaultay.blogspot.com/
There would be a LOT less bullies if everyone stood up to them. Being hesitant is understandable but you know the right thing to do. You have a golden opportunity to make a difference for all of us - Mike Flenniken - President, Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition (OBC)
Funny thing is, I feel more bullied by the cycling community over this than I did over the cop who made the comments. Funny how things work out.
You perhaps have unwittingly now become part of the problem
You might have better thought out the whys the and thereafters re the video in the first place
Your inchoate publishing of the video has impacted your credibility and diminished any positive end that might have been derived from it