Riot Police Called Up In Ohio?!?

It truly is amazing to see the difference between a swing state and a traditionally blue one like what we have here in New York. Today I talked to voters in the neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens, encouraging them to kick State Senator Frank Padavan out of office and to elect a progressive in his stead by the name of Jim Gennaro. It was relatively quiet out in the suburbs but a steady stream of voters proceeded to cast their ballots. I handed out palm cards next to a Padavan supporter and even though we agreed to disagree on things, it was always polite and civil. That is why it is scary as hell to hear what is going on in Toledo, Ohio right now.

From RawStory:

Police chief Mike Navarre told the network officers will carry equipment similar to the gear they used during 2005 race riots.

"They have been asked to have their helmets and their gas masks available tomorrow and Wednesday," Navarre said, "That's the equipment they would not normally carry with them on a normal day."

Police chief Navarre added that officers wouldn't be station at individual polling places -- but the memo says otherwise. According to NBC, it reads, "On Tuesday, units shall be directed to patrol the polling locations".

First of all, Navarre should be brought up on charges for violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Then he should be fired by the city of Toledo before being held accountable for his actions. There is absolutely no reason to turn the cops into soldiers during the election. If he is trying to instill fear into the hearts of Toledo, I'm sure he succeeded to some degree. People ran from similar-looking law enforcement in places like Burma a few months ago.

While November 4th is not a normal day, it is not a time for active voter suppression by the police chief nor any other official authority figure. This is the day America votes, not the time to cower in fear of cops who look menacing with gas masks and helmets. If Jamaica, Queens isn't seeing it, neither should Toledo, Ohio.