This poem was read by Counsilman Doug Hawkins at the conclusion of their meeting last night.
Twas the week before Christmas
And all through the streets
The police were ignoring
The crime on their beats
The cops were asleep
On the back lot in cars
'Cause the Chief dissolved units
Like Street Crimes and S.P.A.R.S.
No aggressive policing
Folks might be offended
For doing your job, guess what?
Now you're suspended
God help you if you're
In a fight for your life
And shoot some poor thug
To get home to your wife
You're glad you're alive
In fact, you're delighted
But first you'll get fired
And then be indicted
Killings are up
But no one has heard
Why the Homicide unit
Was cut by a third
They said it was manpower
Anticipations
Instead they were transferred
To Public Relations
The Mayor believes
That we don't need our Glocks
Instead they should issue us
Sling-shots with rocks
He loves us so much
That we're showered with praise
He fought for our cause
For That "No-Percent" raise.
You can go to the Chief
And talk til' you're red
He cares not for your family
At least that's what he said
There's no overtime
In the budget to burn
But makes 1.5 K
And that's not your concern
That's not where it ends
There are multiple layers
Remember the cost
For Four Deputy Mayors
So much they could do
To ease things that are tense
But they won't even try
Because that would make sense
Continue I could
And vent my frustration
About everything wrong
With this ad-ministration
But those in the trenches
You are the masses
Count on each other
To cover your asses
Despite what is wrong
And complain as we might
Merry Christmas to all
And to all....
A good night.