Where Reforms Go To Die

Every 30 or 40 years Americans rise up against police brutality, but little gets done. The method used to deflect reform has been perfected. The authorities form a committee to investigate the problems and stall until the reformers tire. Eventually the committee publishes an exhaustive report. Then our community leaders praise themselves and forget about police brutality for three or four decades.

I note that a "watchdog group" to look into policing reforms has just been named for Sonoma County. Its members include centrist political leaders and--in your face!--the county sheriff. (In an oversight they forgot to include the deputy sheriff who got promoted after he mowed down Andy Lopez, a child with a toy gun and terrifying skin.)

This is the sheriff who threatened not to enforce the measures put forward by health officials at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. He will, however, enforce the laws he likes. 

The deflection has begun. There is a long-established proposal for reform, but according to Supervisor Susan Gorin, "We frankly don't have the runway, the time, to thoughtfully consider this and place it on the ballot by early August."  And see you in 40 years. . . .