Quincy developer pleads not guilty to rape, drug rap

Quincy developer pleads not guilty to rape, drug rap
By Laura Crimaldi and O’Ryan Johnson  |   Tuesday, May 10, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Photo by Matt Stone

An elderly Quincy developer posted $150,000 cash bail and sped away from the courthouse yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to sordid charges of raping a teenager and trafficking cocaine.

William O’Connell, 71, dodged reporters’ questions after he was led out of a back door of Quincy District Court.

He is charged with two counts of aggravated statutory rape, two counts of soliciting sex for a fee and one count of cocaine trafficking.

“The charges speak for themselves,” said Andrew DiCarlo Berman, the special prosecutor appointed by Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey. “They’re some of the most serious charges that I think can be lodged against a defendant, and it’s something that we take very seriously.”

The alleged offenses took place in the spring and summer of 2009 and on various dates until March, Berman said. The alleged victim is not a prostitute, the prosecutor said. He noted the aggravated statutory rape statute applies to victims who are 14 to 16 years old.

O’Connell’s spokesman, George Regan, issued a statement last night, but refused to answer questions.

“This is going to be resolved in a judicial process,” he said. “At first blush, this may not be what it appears to be.”

Following the hearing, a court officer escorted a handcuffed O’Connell into the clerk’s office to take care of administrative matters after Judge Mark Coven told the defense he was not going treat the developer differently than any other defendant.

“I’m going to treat him the same way we treat every other person,” Coven said.

Coven impounded a police report, and details of the accusations against O’Connell were not revealed during his arraignment. Berman said he requested the report be impounded to protect the alleged victim’s identity.

O’Connell and his brother, Peter, are major Quincy developers who started their business with $450 in 1958 and went on to build many of the city’s landmark developments. They’re perhaps best known for Marina Bay, a massive, upscale condo-and-retail complex whose residents over the years have ranged from New England Patriots [team stats] star Tom Brady [stats] to television newscaster Chet Curtis.

“They helped build Quincy,” said Peter Forman, president and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Forman said the family is “very much part of the community. They’re very much liked and respected.”

Yesterday, O’Connell was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim and witnesses, surrender his passport, have no unsupervised contact with anyone younger than 16 and not leave the state without permission.

It’s not the first time O’Connell has faced a judge. In 2003, he was sentenced to six months probation on charges of negligent motor boat homicide after an accident resulted in the death of his best friend.

The current investigation is ongoing, Berman said.

Berman also is prosecuting O’Connell’s nephew, Robert, who is free on $500,000 bail on an attempted murder charge. He is accused of shooting Milton firefighter Joseph A. Fasano.

Jerry Kronenberg contributed to this report.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1336837

READ MORE - Quincy developer pleads not guilty to rape, drug rap

Blackstonian on Greater Boston WGBH. Apr. 25, 2011: A controversial flier on police brutality

Blackstonian on Greater Boston WGBH. Apr. 25, 2011: A controversial flier on police brutality

Was it research, or an excuse to gang up on police? The Boston Herald's Michele McPhee and Jamarhl Crawford of the Boston Black Men's Leadership Group join Emily to talk about a controversial flier distributed at Suffolk University.

READ MORE - Blackstonian on Greater Boston WGBH. Apr. 25, 2011: A controversial flier on police brutality

Police call Suffolk student project ‘cop-hate baiting’

Police call Suffolk student project ‘cop-hate baiting’

‘REGRETTABLE’: This flier for a Suffolk student project drew the ire of Boston police.
By Michele McPhee  |   Monday, April 25, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Boston Police brass and union officials are furious at a Suffolk University Law School student project that the patrolmen’s union is calling “cop-hate baiting at its worst,’’ while the university has moved to distance itself from the initiative.

Fliers for the “Police Misconduct Documentation Project” and the “Police Complaint Assistance Project” were posted at the university’s campus, asking: “Have you been abused, brutalized or mistreated by the Boston Police ... ?”

Late last week, after an inquiry by the Herald, Suffolk University ordered the fliers taken down, saying the collaboration between Suffolk Law students, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Boston Black Men’s Leadership Group should not have used the law school’s logo.

Suffolk University spokesman Greg Gatlin said, “The university does not take a position on public policy issues that are addressed in the many academic programs throughout the institution.’’

Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association President Tom Nee said, “We don’t have a problem with righteous complaints, and the department has several transparent ways to file a complaint. But this project is cop-hate baiting at its worst and the language on the flier is offensive. This is essentially ‘how to sue the BPD.’ ”

BPD Commissioner Ed Davis called the project a disservice to both police and students.

“The department thoroughly investigates legitimate criticisms and encourages community feedback. We enjoy a strong collaboration with local colleges and universities, therefore a school project intimating a widespread presence of misconduct does a disservice to both the student population and the officers,’’ Davis said.

Suffolk University professor Karen Blum of the Rappaport Law Center — whose pro bono program pairs students with the ACLU to file police-abuse complaints — said the language on the fliers is “regrettable” and had them removed.

“The Police Complaint Assistance Project is not a seminar in how to sue police officers, nor is it meant to be an indictment of the Boston Police Department,’’ Blum said. “The school has removed the fliers because we certainly would not endorse the word brutalized.”

Blum said the project pairs students with people who have police-abuse complaints solely for the purpose of navigating the police department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, not to encourage civil suits against the city.

ACLU lawyer Sarah Wunsch said police are sometimes unresponsive to complaints and that people are sometimes afraid to come forward, problems the project is designed to address.

Jamal Crawford of the Boston Black Men’s Leadership Group said, “We know that there is harassment and intimidation going on. But what gets to Internal Affairs is a very small percentage of what’s happening. There are some great cops out there but there are some ... officers who break the law and blur the line of civil rights.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1333026

READ MORE - Police call Suffolk student project ‘cop-hate baiting’

Some Brockton police officers object to fundraiser in memory of Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry of Easton Brockton officer warned after using work email to complain about Taunton event

Some Brockton police officers object to fundraiser in memory of Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry of Easton
Brockton officer warned after using work email to complain about Taunton event

Wayne Dozier of Boston, left, grandfather of college football player Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr., who was shot and killed by a police officer, wipes his eyes as Jamele Dozier, Danroy’s uncle, holds a photo of the football player during a news conference in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood on Thursday.

By Vicki-Ann Downing


Enterprise Staff Writer
Posted Apr 22, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

BROCKTON —
A  Brockton police officer used his work email to send a message to a restaurant holding a benefit to honor the late Danroy “DJ” Henry of Easton, asking when a similar event would be held for the police officers involved in Henry’s fatal shooting in New York.

“Please let me know when the benefit is being held for the two police officers that were struck and killed by the drunk driver,” wrote Patrolman Scott D. Uhlman. “I will charter a bus and fill it up with people who would spend money at Uno’s for a good cause.”

The three-day fundraiser, held in February at Uno Chicago Grill in Taunton, raised $5,000 for the DJ Dream Fund, a nonprofit group founded by the Henry family that will award money to children younger than 18 for the purchase of sports equipment and to pay athletic fees and gym memberships.

Henry, 20, a student at Pace University, was shot and killed by police on Oct. 17 in a shopping plaza in suburban New York. His family on Wednesday filed a wrongful-death civil suit against one police officer and the village that employed him.

That officer, Aaron Hess, was named “Officer of the Year” last week by his union. Police contend DJ Henry was drunk and drove his car at Hess, who landed on the hood and shot through the windshield.

Uhlman’s email, which incorrectly said that police were “killed” in the Henry incident, was one of many received from law enforcement personnel after the fundraiser for the “DJ Dream Fund” was reported on The Enterprise website, the Henry family said.

Another Brockton police officer, Jason Ford, a decorated Iraq War veteran, wrote Uno’s from his home email account, not his work account.

“As a longtime and faithful patron of your restaurant, I would like to know when the benefit for the two New York police officers DJ Henry ran down while underage, intoxicated, refusing to obey the lawful orders and attempting to flee” will be, Ford wrote. “I would love to attend the benefit for those officers.”

The emails from police to Uno’s led Henry’s father, Dan Henry of Easton, to write a letter of complaint to Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.

“My family and I recently learned of the concerns expressed by several of your officers in advance of a Dream Fund fundraiser held at the Uno’s in Taunton,” Henry wrote. “Why they would object to a fund that will enable youth throughout Massachusetts to afford sports equipment, pay participation fees and afford gym memberships is troubling to us.

“As we intend to both fund-raise and distribute funds to those in need living in Brockton, we hope that you can assure us that this was an isolated incident and that the Dream Fund will be welcomed in Brockton.”
Balzotti did not respond to Henry’s letter. The mayor’s office said this week that Balzotti considered the letter “informational” and the issue to be a “personnel matter” that she brought to the attention of the Police Chief William Conlon.

Conlon said he issued a warning about the matter, but did not discipline anyone.
“People were told that whatever their opinions may be, they can’t use emails from here to express them,” Conlon said. “They were warned about the future use of computers in that fashion.”
Conlon called the Henry case “a very unfortunate situation that inflamed a lot of passions on both sides, and I think it’s best if we stay out of it. It’s a tragic story and very sad for the family.”

After the emails were received by Uno’s in Taunton, the corporate office in Boston asked the event organizers to write a letter to Uno’s chief operating officer, Roger L. Zingle, explaining that the money raised would be used to benefit children, not for the Henry family or its legal expenses.
The goal was to “be sure there was no misunderstanding,” said Rick Hendrie, senior vice president of marketing for Uno’s.

He said the company received “a very, very modest rumbling” of complaint about the Henry fundraiser.
The event “went without a hitch,” Hendrie said. “It was a great event. The restaurant was festive ... It’s part of what we do to support the community.”

Uhlman acknowledged that he made a mistake in using his work email to write Uno’s.
“I was a little distraught that a police officer was severely injured (in the Henry incident) and may never walk again,” Uhlman said. “I sympathize with the family that their son died, but what about the police officer that may never walk again or hold a job again?”

Hess, the officer who shot Henry, underwent knee surgery following the incident and is expected to return to work soon, his union said last week.

Ford, the other Brockton officer who sent an email about the fundraiser, could not be reached for comment.

Vicki-Ann Downing may be reached at vdowning@enterprisenews.com.


Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x1294651442/Some-Brockton-police-officers-object-to-fundraiser-in-memory-of-Danroy-DJ-Henry-of-Easton#ixzz1KG0W0c8J

READ MORE - Some Brockton police officers object to fundraiser in memory of Danroy ‘DJ’ Henry of Easton Brockton officer warned after using work email to complain about Taunton event

Pace student’s kin file wrongful death lawsuit

Pace student’s kin file wrongful death lawsuit

Photo by Steven Senne
By Marie Szaniszlo and Laura Crimaldi  |   Thursday, April 21, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

The Easton family of a slain Pace University football player said a wrongful death suit filed yesterday in federal court, accusing a New York police officer of “reckless disregard for human life” in his shooting, is intended to force the release of information on the case.

The lawsuit claims Pleasantville Police officer Aaron Hess violated Danroy “D.J.” Henry Jr.’s civil rights when Henry was shot outside a local bar.

“The one thing we want most, we can’t have,” Danroy Henry Sr. told the Herald yesterday. “We will never have our son back. But this gives us subpoena power to gain access to information we have been denied.”

The family is seeking Hess’ testimony about the shooting, his personnel file, 911 recordings and video from businesses at the scene the night of the shooting, he said.

The suit, which also names the village of Pleasantville as a defendant, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Henry, a junior at Pace, was leaving a homecoming game celebration at the bar Oct. 17, when he was shot.

Neither Hess nor Village Administrator Patricia Dwyer could be reached yesterday for comment.

Authorities said Henry, 20, was fatally shot when he ignored police instructions to stop his vehicle and headed directly at Hess, forcing him onto the hood. The officer fired four shots to protect himself, police said, before he was thrown to the ground.

But several witnesses disputed that account, saying Henry drove away because an officer had ordered him to leave the fire lane. Those witnesses said Hess jumped in front of the vehicle, and Henry did not have enough time to stop. Henry was handcuffed and put on the sidewalk, where he lay dying, according to their testimony.

A grand jury declined to indict Hess. But the U.S. Justice Department is investigating.

Earlier this month, the Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association named Hess, who underwent knee surgery, “Officer of the Year,” an honor that outraged Henry’s family.

“It speaks to the level of arrogance we have had to deal with,” Henry’s father said. “One has to wonder if this group sees themselves as above the laws they’re sworn to uphold.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1332289

READ MORE - Pace student’s kin file wrongful death lawsuit

Boston Activists Condemn Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association “Officer of the Year” award

Boston Activists Condemn Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association

“Officer of the Year” award to Officer Aaron Hess
controversial police shooter of Danroy “DJ” Henry

CONTACT:
Jamarhl Crawford
Blackstonian.com
617-297-7721

APRIL 15, 2011

FOR IMEMDIATE RELEASE

Boston, MA – Local activists are seething with rage following the reported decision to “honor” Officer Aaron Hess with the “Officer of the Year” award by the Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association.  The timing of this award is insensitive and offensive, particularly in light of the questionable circumstances in the Danroy “DJ” Henry, jr. case and the fact that the case has been turned over to the Department of Justice and is currently under investigation.  This move by the Pleasantville Police Union is indicative of the contempt that many Police Unions across the country display in regards to the African-American and Latino community.  In order to witness the vile and venomous sentiments espoused by Police Unions across the country, one only need look at the various law enforcement chatrooms across the country to hear the echoes of tea party patriot militias and neo-nazis. 

Here in Boston, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association in their Union newspaper called a 16 yr old boy a “scumbag” after the infamous youtube video of him being beaten while arrested at Roxbury Community College.  In Cambridge, after the “Skip Gates” incident, Officer James Crowley was awarded by the Cambridge Police Department. While these cases did not share the same tragic results, the message is the same. It is a message of self-righteousness and entitlement. It shows a total lack of respect for the loss of life of people of color and exemplifies an “Above the Law” attitude.  What we find most offensive, it is taunting and cruel to the family.  We should all be concerned when public servants show this type of disdain for a significant portion of the public they are dutifully sworn to serve. 

We join to publically condemn the decision of the Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association and  President Matthew Listwan to bestow Officer Aaron Hess with the “Officer of the Year” award. 

We further condemn the bad judgment displayed by Officer Aaron Hess in accepting the award after this controversial case and during an ongoing US Justice Department investigation. 

We also condemn the actions of Officer Hess on Oct. 17 which resulted in the tragic death of Danroy “DJ” Henry, jr.  It is our belief after reviewing all available facts that the statements of the witnesses are closer to the true sequence of events and we do not agree with the grand jury’s decision to dismiss Hess’ indictment on criminal charges in the case. 

Police Unions are fierce defenders of the fallen in their ranks. They rally around deceased officers families and fundraise and brow beat anyone who doesn’t share their sense of loss and respect. If there were a case in which an officer was killed by a young black man, even if the officer had been shown to be a “dirty cop” and trying to unlawfully kill the young man, and subsequently the Black community held a celebration and awarded this young man, we could expect protest from every officer in the country. Police would view such a display as a public slap in the face and the ultimate gesture of disrespect.

“The type of rhetoric spewed by many Police Unions, is indicative of a mentality that is then displayed on the job in many cases. This type of event and the attitudes, actions and comments of some officers is simply another means to administer Police Brutality… psychologically.”
- Jamarhl Crawford, Blackstonian.com

Regardless of the PPBA’s stated intentions to “not offend” and “not garner media attention” they knew exactly what they were doing. They knew the implications of such an award and they knew the potential to inflame and infuriate the public. They knew that the timing of this award was completely inappropriate and with all that knowledge they did it anyway with forethought and wickedly malicious intent. 

## 

READ MORE - Boston Activists Condemn Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association “Officer of the Year” award

DJ Henry’s family files federal suit against N.Y. cop

DJ Henry’s family files federal suit against N.Y. cop

By Laura Crimaldi  |   Wednesday, April 20, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

The family of a Pace University football player from Easton who was fatally shot last fall by New York cops today is filing a wrongful death suit in federal court.

Angella and Danroy Henry Sr. are meeting with reporters at noon to discuss the legal action against a cop who shot at Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr. and the village that employs him.

“While we recognize both the broader efforts to distort the truth and conspire in secret to deny our family and those following, a complete picture of the events leading to our son’s death, we are choosing to sharpen our focus on those most responsible for his death,” the couple said in a statement released by their attorney. “We are not oblivious to the reality that several people participated in the inhumane treatment of our son, allowing him to die without regard for basic human dignities handcuffed alone on the ground.”

The suit names Officer Aaron Hess and the Village of Pleasantville, N.Y., according to a copy of the complaint provided by Henry family lawyer Michael Sussman. The suit will be filed this afternoon in federal court in New York, Sussman said. The complaint does not disclose the amount of money the family is seeking in damages.

Henry, 20, was fatally shot on Oct. 17, 2010, outside a bar after, according to police, he ignored instructions to stop his vehicle. Hess, who fired at Henry four times, was honored earlier this month as an “officer of the year” by the Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association. The honor outraged Henry’s family.

“The PBA’s choice to celebrate our son’s death was a poor one and further energizes our fight for truth and answers to simple but relevant questions,” the couple’s statement said.

Hess was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by a New York grand jury in February.

The federal Department of Justice is also reviewing the shooting.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1332114

READ MORE - DJ Henry’s family files federal suit against N.Y. cop

Cop’s award latest odd twist in Pace case

Cop’s award latest odd twist in Pace case

Photo by Ryan T. Conaty (file)
By Margery Eagan  |   Thursday, April 14, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Columnists

You hear it. You almost can’t believe it.

The police union in Mount Pleasant, a small town outside New York City, just gave its officer of the year award to Aaron Hess, now under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for fatally shooting Pace University football player Danroy “DJ” Henry, 20, from Easton.

“What did he do to win this award? Kill our son?”

So asked DJ’s mother, Angella Henry, yesterday. Yet she spoke not in anger but in the calm, matter-of-fact, what-do-you-expect tone she and her husband have maintained since enduring one bizarre twist after another in a disheartening, six-month journey through the court system there.

Retired Boston police Lt. Tom Nolan reacted with far more ire yesterday.

“It’s outrageous and frankly disgraceful,” said Nolan, a 27-year police veteran now teaching at Boston University. “Police know this was a questionable shooting at best, a situation where the life of an unarmed student athlete was taken.

“If that’s the most commendable and laudable and praiseworthy thing that went on in Mount Pleasant in 2010, that says a lot.”

You know, most police departments commend officers who, as Nolan put it, perform “selfless acts of heroism, putting themselves in harm’s way” to save the rest of us, who are extremely grateful. An award to an officer in the midst of a criminal investigation and multiple civil suits? Unheard of.

Equally unheard of in a disputed case such as this? A secret grand jury’s failure to indict anybody and allow open court hearings to follow. In March, however, after a judge demanded videos that DJ’s teammates insist support their version of events, a prosecutor abruptly dropped all charges — resisting arrest and disorderly conduct — against those teammates. They, like the Henrys, have argued that what’s really going on here is prosecutors protecting police, a charge both have denied. Yet no one has answered two central questions here: Was Hess struck by Henry’s car before he opened fire? If not, why did he not just get out of the way? And why did Henry lie mortally wounded — yet handcuffed and unattended — for so long that awful night?

Angella Henry said yesterday, “I’m thankful in a way (that this happened) because now everyone sees what we’ve been dealing with. It’s hurtful, yes, but we’re not surprised.”

DJ’s younger brother Kyle was not surprised, either.

“They killed an innocent man,” he told his mother. “Why would you expect anything different?”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1330628

READ MORE - Cop’s award latest odd twist in Pace case

Officer who shot Danroy Henry named 'Officer of the Year'

Blackstonian Editor's Note: I find this disgusting. Completely unprofessional, insensitive and this should be regarded as intimidation and harassment.

Officer who shot Danroy Henry named 'Officer of the Year'

Danroy Henry Jr.
By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

The family of Danroy "D.J." Henry Jr., the popular football player from Easton who was fatally shot by police in New York last year, lashed out today at a New York police union’s decision to give an award to the officer who shot him.

The award was particularly insulting, the family said, because the shooting remains under investigation by the US Department of Justice.

“I’m glad the world gets to see the arrogance we’ve been dealing with since Oct. 17, from the district attorney’s office all the way to the Police Benevolent Association,” said Angella Henry, Danroy Henry's mother. “For us, it’s not a surprise.”

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/04/officer_who_sho.html?p1=News_links

READ MORE - Officer who shot Danroy Henry named 'Officer of the Year'

Police Brutality Nationwide Statistics

Police Brutality Nationwide Statistics



Via: Term Life Insurance

READ MORE - Police Brutality Nationwide Statistics

Rape suspect ordered to stay away from children

Rape suspect ordered to stay away from children

By Laurel J. Sweet  |   Wednesday, April 13, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

A Dorchester man was held on $10,000 cash bail yesterday and ordered to stay away from children after pleading not guilty to eight counts of rape of a child.

The charges involve a 13-year-old girl who prosecutors said was lured to his home for play dates with the suspect’s son. Between November and December, Edgar Soares, 33, “invited the victim over to play with his 8-year-old son. When she arrived, (Soares) would take her cell phone and sexually assault her,” said Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley.

Prosecutors sought to hold Soares on $75,000 cash bail, Wark said.

A law enforcement source said Soares works for the Department of Correction. Soares’ attorney, Jonathan Scott Lauer, referred questions to DOC, which was not able to confirm his employment as of last night.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1330361

READ MORE - Rape suspect ordered to stay away from children

Jury finds former guard, superintendent violated female prisoner's rights

Jury finds former guard, superintendent violated female prisoner's rights

Posted by Milton Valencia April 6, 2011 05:36 PM
By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

A federal jury today found a former state correction officer violated a former inmate's civil rights by using his position of power to have sex with the woman while she was incarcerated at the South Middlesex Correctional Center in Framingham.

Kelly A. Ryan, the superintendent of the facility, was also found liable for a violation of the woman’s civil rights.

The jury of 10 women awarded the former inmate, Christina Chao, 31, a total of $73,700 in damages.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/04/jury_finds_form.html?p1=News_links

READ MORE - Jury finds former guard, superintendent violated female prisoner's rights

Race In Boston: Boston Herald Readers Comments on Councillor Ayanna Pressley

Race In Boston

Media Analysis of Boston Herald Reader Comments.

Editor's Note: I have often said that the readers comments of the Boston Herald attached to any article dealing even remotely with people of color needs to be studied as an examination of Boston race relations and to convince people who may feel like these sentiments cannot possibly exist in 2011 and that we live in a Post-Racial America...
The Blackstonian stands with Councillor Ayanna Pressley and stands against all violence against women Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Sexual Exploitation, etc.

Recently City Councillor Ayanna Pressley courageously stepped out and spoke of her own experience with sexual assault in college as a means to bring awareness to the issue and combined with a city hearing to examine Colleges policies regarding sexual assaults on campus.  I thought her position was principled and sound. I mean who could actually condemn and demean someone who comes forward with such personal information as well as working to address the very issue she was a victim of in the hope to save potential future victims? Who could? The Herald Readers could.... in cold blood.

The comments touch on all the ugly isms, Racism, Sexism, Elitism, Classism.

This may be the highest number of comments I have ever seen deleted for going out of bounds

and the only time I have seen a Herald Editor have to step in and actually admonish people.

The below comments come from the Herald Article

"Councilor puts own face on rape trauma"

By Ira Kantor

Thursday, March 31, 2011

http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1327326

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108324 - Mar 31, 2011 12:14 AM EDT

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108327 - Mar 31, 2011 12:21 AM EDT

TrueBlue02127  

  ?   +36  -15 

She knows she's in grave danger of losing her seat if Michael Flaherty runs again and has to get her name out there in the press.

That being said, I do not condone violence against women, of course, but going public now seems politically motivated.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108396 - Mar 31, 2011 4:39 AM EDT

AAstrojet  

  ?   +26  -10 

Taxpayer Rape. Approval of the present School budget which exceeds last years budget. The only departmental budgets that the Council should approve are those that come in under last years budget. Those are the budgets with MEANINGFUL and not POLITICALLY enhancing CUTS!

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108448 - Mar 31, 2011 6:09 AM EDT

BlondieBD  

  ?   +19  -1 

Does she have anything to share about rape trauma and how the Boston Police deal with it?

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108496 - Mar 31, 2011 6:48 AM EDT

yawn57 replying to TiredOfHorseCaCa  

  ?   +10  -4 

IF you're "TiredOfHorseCaCa," try something else. Dunkins opens early.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108540 - Mar 31, 2011 7:17 AM EDT

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108568 - Mar 31, 2011 7:40 AM EDT

FCCarbone replying to numbnutz  

  ?   +10  -9 

"Ms. Pressley has NEVER been raped"

You have any proof to back up this statement, or are you just spewing nonsensical crap out of that defective brain of yours?

And I doubt you're any kind of "crisis councilor" - you're way too ignorant and unintelligent to have anything to offer anybody in any situation. I'm skeptical you even have a job. But hey, I guess people like you will say anything to try and support their own dim-witted comments.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108596 - Mar 31, 2011 7:52 AM EDT

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108615 - Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM EDT

Joe Dwinell - Boston Herald staff

Take note of our guidelines again. We ask that you be "respectful of others." If not, you'll be banned without further warning.

 

#2108616 - Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM EDT

thankyoujimmy  

  ?   +5  -5 

if ms. pressley, or any woman were raped, i would hope that their attackers endure a life filled with physical suffering. that aside, i don't believe her. i find it interesting that there is talk of a heated election on the horizon and all of the sudden we are hearing about this alleged attack. i simply don't believe her. now that this woman has had a taste of $90,000 a year for a job that you don't have to report to, she doesn't want to give it up. its not just her. i think that most of them would say anything to get reelected. they only let these truths come out at the most convenient times. everything they do is a well orchestrated production in their quest to keep their elected position. something's got to change. part-time government might be the way to go.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

gsoalifl  

  ?   +5  -6 

Will we ever hit bottom regarding our elected officials? I always though bottom was terminal. Not in MA politics. New bottoms are continuely established.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

PianoDoReMi  

  ?   +7  -5 

I can't believe the insensitive comments. It's about Rape. I see no compassion on here.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

concerned  

  ?   +9  0 

And of course nobody believed her.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

cuidadotwo  

  ?   +1  -6 

I don't think people cry rape when it can be easily verified. That being said, the timing of disclosure is interesting. Ms Pressley is hot too. :) Way too many grumpy curmudgeons this morn...Please do yourselves favors and don't post all day. That's just pathetic. Go out and get some nice, fresh Spring air. There's a big world out there. Live it!

markbel  

  ?   +3  -1 

Ms. Pressley's timing does stink and may be construed as using a "flashpoint" issue for political gain. It's as inflamatory as the likely comments on the numerous posts that have been removed here. 

The truth will be in the future. Win or lose, will she "keep her face" on this issue to help others, or is it just a "Keating-like" dramatization that opens up wounds for others?

I hope she keep up the honorable fight, and her "face" stands for strength, not manipulation.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

DrKingsDreams  

  ?   +6  -4 

If she was a white woman you wouldn't see these comments come up from the sewers as they so do! The audacity of Boston citizens so write such things about this young lady! Audacity!

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

MissAndrist  

  ?   +2  -4 

I'm surprised the moonbats haven't attacked this woman like they attacked Scott Brown because she didn't detail the event and name her attacker.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

wakeupusa  

  ?   +1  0 

Colleges dont like to hear the word rape in any language even ptevention programs. The ide gives parents of potential student the idea of avoiding tht college. The word rape is very bad for enrollment which equals money.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108929 - Mar 31, 2011 9:34 AM EDT

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108966 - Mar 31, 2011 9:49 AM EDT

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2108969 - Mar 31, 2011 9:50 AM EDT

edcomment  

  ?   0  -4 

Oprah, then Scott Brown now this. Anyone else need their name on the front page with some 

personal tragedy. This is still a crime--why doesn\'t she go to the BPD? Oh---by gones are by gones. Just like Brown\'s caper. 

Why do I smell a rat?

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

kateydidit  

  ?   +2  0 

What was said here, that the class room monitor had to come in and yell???

Jeeez, people...

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

China_1  

  ?   +5  0 

Do you guys and girls have daughters/sons? When your damm children come running to you about being rape, please don't push them aside, because it just maybe true. 

Her mom is from the Chi, and they don't raise womem to be liars.

If more people opened up about their life experiences, prehaps, we all can dump some of that **** in the sewer.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

roxburyprophet  

  ?   +9  -4 

This may be the most I have ever seen posts getting deleted for vile statements and even Dwindell having to chime in I've never seen that. Its really nice to see these attitudes in 2011. Very progressive Boston moving forward in the wrong direction. The Herald comments should be studied in a class to really illustrate man's inhumanity to man. 

The constant base drivel and racist, sexist undertones in the comments are really like a bad movie. I'm in the wrong business in Boston, I should start selling white sheets and pointy hats there seems to be a market for it. Most of you are true cowards, not only picking on the victim, but doing so from the safety of your knuckle operated keyboards.

You win the Archie Bunker Award for forward thought.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Hillrock  

  ?   +1  -1 

What is Steve Murphy going to do to top this? 

Maybe a sex change!!!!

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

China_1 replying to roxburyprophet  

  ?   +3  -2 

I just donated some white sheets that my nana gave me, I should have put them on ebay instead.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

siobhansouthie replying to edcomment  

  ?   +1  0 

They're dirty. The BPD wouldn't help her.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

SydneyFife  

  ?   +1  -3 

When I first glanced at the picture I thought I was looking at Anita Hill. Uncanny resemblance.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo  

  ?   +5  -5 

No comment should be banned unless it contains obvious profanity. This newspaper is completely hipocritical. It publishes trashy, sensational articles design to provoke second class minds and yet deletes the trashy comments the articles deserve. Stop pretending your so high-minded, BH. You're entertainment, never news. You're a creepy paper for creepy people. That's what I enjoy about the BH.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

realbaseballfan  

  ?   +7  0 

Some of these commenters have no idea what they are talking about. I am a man and know two people that were victims of rape. One was a g/f that was raped years before I knew her and it took her 4 years to be able to tell me about it. The second person was someone I have known for over twenty years and it took her that long for her to be able to talk about it. Both of these women are strong, educated and come from good families. 

I say that City Councilor Pressley is doing something good for the community. If what she does has an impact and revents one rape it is worthwhile.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

cityhall8thfloor replying to Hillrock  

  ?   +4  -5 

Hillrock, Murphy won't to this story by getting a sex change. I heard he was thinking of claiming he was abused by a clergyman, namely the Reverand Al Sharpton, but he is afraid to alienate the vote in Roxbury/Mattapan/Dorchester. With Sam Yoon out of the picture, maybe he'll claim it was Buddist Monks.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

cityhall8thfloor  

  ?   +1  0 

he won't top this story

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Hillrock replying to realbaseballfan  

  ?   +1  -1 

Realbase,

I agree that it is courageous to come out but in both this case and the Scott Brown case, not naming the person who did it allows for these 2 rapist to walk the streets and do it to someone else. If you are going to take the position, you can not come out half way. Otherwise it is perceived to be just for political gain and not genuine.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

ErinOttoB  

  ?   +3  -1 

i'm sure the posts that were removed were the usual sophmoric attempts at "humor",but if Joe Dwinell were truly serious he'd delete the posters that constantly turn everything into a racial issue

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

WestieGuy  

  ?   +7  -1 

Some of you people make me sick. SICK! I have never been embarressed to call myself a Bostonian until now.

Ms. Pressley, thank you for your courage. Hopefully you will help save some other young women from having to go through what you went through. You are in a position to make a change. Kudos for stepping up! God bless you!

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to roxburyprophet  

  ?   +3  -5 

You are so wonderful and high-minded. Where can we sit at your feet and bask in your benevolent wisdom, bravery and goodness? Where can we hear your prophecies? Anyone who takes the Boston Herald so seriously must be such a fine, sensitive and serious person. Can we trade a Desmond Tutu award for all those Archie Bunker awards you want to give us? You are a true Tutu. You glow with glory goodness. You light up these Boston Herald pages with your kindness, generosity and interest in your fellow humans. You are love.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

roxburyprophet replying to formerlyBostonBo  

  ?   +7  -3 

thank you. you can bask at my feet this summer at Franklin Park during Juneteenth. I'll have a booth set up, look for a sign that reads "Benevolent Foot Basking"

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to SydneyFife  

  ?   +2  0 

She doesn't look anything like Anita Hill, not at all, unless you think every pretty black gal who straightens their hair looks the same. Google some images before you type.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to roxburyprophet  

  ?   0  -2 

you forgot to mention your fee

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

SydneyFife replying to formerlyBostonBo  

  ?   +1  -2 

I don't need to Google any images, thank you. In my opinion (you've heard of those, haven't you?) she resembles Anita Hill in this photo. Get all up in my face about the racial angle all you want...you will not change my opinion. Have a nice day.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to SydneyFife  

  ?   +3  -3 

"I don't need to Google any images, thank you." I hope you never make it onto a jury. You'll put away some young brother for life and he'll be exonerated 15 years later on DNA evidence, and all because "I don't need to Google any images, thank you."

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2109238 - Mar 31, 2011 11:34 AM EDT

SydneyFife replying to formerlyBostonBo  

  ?   +1  -2 

And when did I ever say she was pretty?

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

richcarney  

  ?   +3  -6 

Not that we dont beleive you....but can you show us the police reoprt for the incident?

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2109336 - Mar 31, 2011 12:01 PM EDT

cityhall8thfloor  

  ?   +2  -5 

Isn't it strange that when a politician faces the possibility that there is even a hint of opposition, they begin to spin these amazing tales? I have come to the conclusion that any politician who starts a tale with, "just the other day, I spoke to a woman who told me..." is a fraud. I instantly tag them as a fraud based on that phrase alone. I am usually right on the money whenever I use that formula to judge people.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

WestieGuy replying to richcarney  

  ?   +5  -1 

So in your little mind you think every rape is reported to the police? And if not, you won't belive the story? Seriously dude, get a LIFE!

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

WestieGuy replying to cityhall8thfloor  

  ?   +6  -1 

Cityhall.....if Ms. Suzie from JP came forward with this story, it wouldn't even make the paper. But Ms. Pressley is in a position where her story will be heard and she can make a bigger difference than Ms. Suzie from JP or where ever. Even if for some reason this sroty is made u[p, which makes me sick to even type that, she is going to make a difference. A positive change for thousands of college students in Boston. Can you even give her credit for that? You people are SICK! Go post on a Red Sox board or something.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

shebail  

  ?   +8  0 

As a woman who has survived domestic violence and rape, I am appalled at some of the comments (or lack of that were erased). It takes real courage to stand up and admit either one. I finally was able to stand up to speak to groups about domestic violence several years ago - the rape I have only recently admitted. The reason? I felt shamed and our society contributes to that.

I also feel that if I speak out and help even one victim, my "coming out" will be the best thing I have ever done. Many times victims will not report rapes because they are so often "victimized" once again - look at the 11 yr old girl in TX that has been vilified by some for "causing" her rape. Then there is the old "she said, he said", or "she asked for it".

I commend anyone who steps forward and has the courage.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

shebail replying to Hillrock  

  ?   +7  0 

One cannot name their rapist unless they are in a position to charge their rapist. Many, many rapes go unreported even today. Just because the victim did not go to the police then (or if they did)doesn't mean anything.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to SydneyFife  

  ?   +3  -2 

If you don't think she's attractive, then you must like boys.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

WestieGuy replying to shebail  

  ?   +5  -1 

I am sorry for the pain you have suffered. Thank you for coming forward and sharing your story. I am sure you have encouraged many other victims to come forward and get the help they need to overcome such a tragic event. Evidently many of these posters on this board do not have daughters, sisters or mothers! Sickos if you ask me. Shebail....Thank you for helping others.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

SydneyFife replying to formerlyBostonBo  

  ?   +5  -2 

So in addition to being a racist you are also a homophobe. Good stuff to know BoBo.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

YashaHyfitz  

  ?   +1  -3 

OMG Sydney, you are right! She looks exactly like Anita Hill.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

formerlyBostonBo replying to SydneyFife  

  ?   +1  -4 

You and RoxburyProphet should get together. You're both so very good, proper and high-minded, while I'm so very bad and hateful. Although I'm cute as a bug, aren't I? Go ahead and take the last word. You obviously need it more than the rest of us.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines.

 

#2109471 - Mar 31, 2011 12:44 PM EDT

JusticeIsForTheR  

  ?   +1  -5 

WOW!!! Ayanna just got herself UNELECTED this coming september!!! Desperation is the most undesirable scent to a voter.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

richcarney replying to WestieGuy  

  ?   +1  -5 

I think every politician given the chance will LIE to you face about ANYTHING.....she has no proof......just a lot of talk.........

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Leftfield replying to shebail  

  ?   +5  0 

Good post. And don't be 'appalled.' this is the herald boards where a lot of small minded people upset with their lot in life come to gripe about people trying to make a difference.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

dbgrate replying to TrueBlue02127  

  ?   +2  -1 

Sort of like Scott Brown and his book promotion,huh?

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

antiseptic  

  ?   +2  0 

Kudos to Ayanna Pressley for getting through her ordeal and trying to bring attention to a sensitive topic. Hopefully her story can inspire others to come forward and get the help they need, and to make college campuses safer for all women.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

moonbatter  

  ?   0  -2 

This must be Joe Dwinell's own personal agenda. I posted this comment at 6:09am today.

“ I am vehemently against violence towards women. I would support the death penalty for convicted rapists. Regardless, it must be said: Ayanna is smoking hot. ”

At some point, it was removed, even though it obviously adheres to the "guidelines".

Want to remove it again, Joe? Ban me? You're a fool. I've been banned 6 times in the last year for similar postings that also adhered to the guidelines. Just like everyone else you ban, I return with a different moniker.

Perhaps if you tell us what your personal "guidelines" are, we can adhere to them, Joe.

Just kidding, Joe. I wouldn't adhere to whatever your personal agenda is if you paid me (unlike Gelzinass).

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

kateydidit  

  ?   0  -2 

"Just like everyone else you ban, I return with a different moniker."

How do you do that?

Just askin'
Just incase...:)

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

kateydidit replying to moonbatter  

  ?   +1  0 

"Regardless, it must be said: Ayanna is smoking hot."

Not so good, dude.
It's almost like saying the rapist couldn't help himself..not cool.

Although there were no obcenities, it's implication was crude.
If you had left that last opinion out, it would have been ok.

Free speach, or not. A newspaper has to keep up a reputation, and this colomn page does give the barometric reading of peoples opinions.

Some really great stuff that is said here, wouldn't be poted here if the column was filled with untasteful mean comments- making it an avoidable rag.

So, lest I come accross as a holier than thou chastising B****,I just answered your question to try to explain.
Frustration? Understood.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Xfranman  

  ?   0  -4 

I don't believe her. Not on the rape or the abuse. What is a "women and healthy communities" committee? no healthy communities for men? the city council has made itself foolish and useless. the result is a dictator not mayor and the present one is, well, retired. stupid p.c. world

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

markbel replying to MissAndrist  

  ?   0  -2 

You wrote: "I'm surprised the moonbats haven't attacked this woman like they attacked Scott Brown because she didn't detail the event and name her attacker."

Very nice comment. How short our memories are, and how doubled our standards are, too.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

georgecostanza  

  ?   0  -3 

The whole thing sounds like a hoax to me. They say that timing is evreything in life. This story has very bad timing.

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

Bigholla  

  ?   +1  -1 

Very pretty lady

 

Posted 6 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

shebail  

  ?   +1  -1 

Some of the people posting here are dubious only "because of the timing" and the fact that she is a politician. First off...

There is never "the right time". Only when rape victims are beyond feeling ashamed will they usually talk about it. To talk about it in order to prevent or help other women does help the victim - it has me.

Rape occurs much more than is reported while at college and often in the past, some colleges have not handled victims well. I applaud Pressley for working on this issue.

 

Posted 5 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

moonbatter replying to kateydidit  

  ?   0  0 

Your feedback is appreciated. I think I understand where you're coming from, but there is a distinction, or qualification, between implication and inference.

In other words, I did not imply what you inferred. Nor did I ever intend to.

I am a bit offended to think that I cannot pay a beautiful woman a genuine compliment following an unequivocal condemnation of a particularly heinous violent crime. Such an inference is not logical, therefore must be an emotional reaction.

Regardless, I would like to avoid such misunderstandings, so I will no longer co-locate non-sequiturs in the same paragraph or post in the future.

 

Posted 5 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

kateydidit replying to moonbatter  

  ?   0  0 

Clearly you are intelligent, and your vocabulary is much better than mine.

But I am glad you wrote back-(happened to see it, didn't come to my e-mail)
Yes, as a matter of fact, my response was from an emotional reaction- but I was trying to tell you that it may have hit a FEW nerves, as your previous post was removed.

A..FRIEND... of mine was brutally raped. A confession was solicited by the cops, who said-(among other things)"yeah... she was cute, huh?"
Thereby making it seem if he had done it, they'd at least "understand".
Naturally, he didn't have his lawyer in the room, so none of this was even entered into the trial.. but I digress.

Women are more sensitive to this kind of thing, and I'm sure it wasn't your intent to be mean,I was just trying to explain the reason they may have removed your post.

So, thanks for responding, and I do appreciate the lesson in grammer- :)

PS- Perhaps if you had said her smile was so pretty, even after what she indured..

 

Posted 5 days ago Reply  Link  Abusive

READ MORE - Race In Boston: Boston Herald Readers Comments on Councillor Ayanna Pressley