Thursday, August 16, 2007

Asking Questions

We've been called out by a bunch of people, unhappy for questioning the Memorial, its practices, its methods, where it's headed. We've been called a bunch of bad names, too. When you can't attack the message, attack the messenger we suppose. It works for the democrats.

We've also had a bunch of support in the comments section. Thanks for that.

When we started this series of posts, we knew it was going to be heated. We still don't understand how anyone can give blindly and not expect an accurate accounting, especially given the history of corruption, not just in the City, but in the Department itself. Do we really have to run down the list of exempts who were mob connected, convicted thieves, serial sexual predators, or drug abusers?

Sorry we're so cynical as to have to question the motivations and practices of a job we really truly enjoy. We didn't come on the job like this - the job made us like this. But when we go to the Memorial Newsletter page and find the alleged "accounting" of millions of dollars, we find this:
  • Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Financial Information
  • From Inception Through 12/31/06
  • Revenues/Donations $4,145.2 million 100.0%
  • Memorial Costs $3,214.2 million 77.5%
  • Fundraising/Event Costs* $575.3 thousand 13.9%
  • Cash on Hand $334.7 thousand 8.1%
  • Awards/Assistance $21.0 thousand .5%
For comparison purposes, go to this link for the 2005-2006 Annual Report put out by Easter Seals - it's a 68 page document outlining income and expenditures in mind numbing detail. In our opinion, what the Memorial newsletter provides IS NOT AN ACCURATE ACCOUNTING.

We realize that the Memorial Costs ate up a huge amount of the total donations. Construction materials and labor cost a huge amount of money. But its a one-time expense. What concerns us most is the $575,000 (13.9% of total monies) for Fundraising/Event Costs as compared to the Awards/Assistance of $21,000 (0.5% of total monies). What are the future expected costs and layouts? Wouldn't that $575,000 have been better spent as Awards/Assistance to the disabled or families of deceased? Is anyone else bothered that only 0.5% of the Memorial Fund actually made it out as Awards/Assistance? And where is the accounting for a "paid director" position that the former Superintendent is accepting? How much is it? Is that lumped in with "Memorial Costs"?

As to people contending that the "Mission beyond the Memorial" was always part of the plan, we (and dozens of others) don't recall that at all. The early Roll Call videos were about the Memorial, not the continuing mission.

Again, for the benefit of those attacking us - demanding accountability is NOT a fault, is NOT cowardly, is NOT an attack upon the Memorial and what it represents. It is a Duty to our Dead to ensure that their memories are not sullied by shoddy accounting practices and paid directorships that haven't existed in the past, yet suddenly appear when a retired exempt (nominally in charge of the strong arming that went on) needs a job.

Why isn't everyone asking these questions? Are the answers you're getting satisfying you? So far, they aren't satisfying us.

Labels:

76 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I keep trying to get on the Ro Conn show as a previous poster suggested to tell the citizens about this fraud. All the coppers need to call in to talk radio and get the word out on this BS. Enough is enough...

8/16/2007 12:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=27961@wbbm.dayport.com

8/16/2007 12:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC,
You are the Real Police,Thank-You!!!

Without you,we(working police) would have nowhere to go to vent and to expose the daily BS that we are constantly subjected to.

This police memorial thing is just too much, I have to say that I now see what everyone was saying about Cline is true.

I can't believe how fucked up people become for a little power and money. They would literally sell their souls to the devil....

8/16/2007 12:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know this Garrido guys connection to the police memorial and to Cline?

8/16/2007 12:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again the FOP is silent on this whole issue and every other one that is important. It is time for a new union that truly represents the working coppers.

8/16/2007 12:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You would think after all that Cline dodged criminally that retirement and a quiet life would be what he would want. Power corrupts, absolute power absolutely corrupts.

Take heed Dana,don't fall where others have.

8/16/2007 12:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Retired Cline should not make a dime on this memorial after retiring. If he is so worried & concerned about it, he could easily volunteer 10 or 20 hrs a month to help maintain it.

I do not have a family member who has died and in the Memorial, but if I did I would be disgusted.

Go find some real job Mr Cline and volunteer a few hrs a week to the Memorial.

A lot more people would respect you for that.

8/16/2007 12:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just like Joey the Clown said in open court, "Cops are cheap!"

You know what I hate is you'll have the PO who does nothing but bitch about contributing a couple of dollars a month to a worthy cause. Then he'll spend maybe $200 to $300 dollars on Bears tickets to take his kid to a game where he'll spend another $100 on food and refreshments once inside to see a bunch of thugs, half of which should be behind bars.

Now what is that PO going to tell his kid when they walk by the Police Memorial on the way from that great $50.00 parking spot and his kid says, "Hey dad what is that Police Park?" I suppose the guy who can't afford gas in his car will probably respond, "Oh thats just another way the city/bosses fuck the policeman.

Real nice. Get your priorities straight people.

8/16/2007 12:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How soon before they all give themselves a nice big award and congratulate each other for strong arming recruits?
Must be a lot of fun to be with the in-crowd over there. At least the recruits will learn early on how the city works and will have no illusions of fairness.

8/16/2007 12:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bravo SCC!

It is not only our duty but our right to question where "OUR" money goes after we Freely donate it. Well maybe not freely but I think that discussion has been done already.

I refused to be forced into a direct payroll deduction, but I have purchased numerous shirts, license plate frames, pins and at least 10 shirts, and dont forget a couple of bricks.

The cause is good, but Ive become very disgusted with the practices. If the memorial fund is a charitable orginization should the accountable to the general public just as The United Way or Easter Seals?

8/16/2007 12:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If everything is legitimate with the Chicago Police Memorial why not publish the financial statement so that all the contributors know where there hard earned money is going?

UNLESS OF COURSE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE

8/16/2007 12:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

stop with the democrat attacks. we get it, you're a republican. So SCC you can have an open mind about everything else except about politics? C'mon don't be a fuckin' lame.

8/16/2007 12:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HAS ANYONE NOTICED HOW QUIET THE MEDIA HAS BEEN REGARDING THIS GATHERING FIRESTORM? WHERE IS SNEED NOW?

FURTHER PROOF OF THE CONTROL OF THE MEDIA BY THOSE IN POWER AND MONEY.

8/16/2007 01:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone recall the Cline minion, reporting a ghost sighting at the police memorial a few months back? They attempted to start a silly rumor to promote Cline's Legacy.

It looks like the ghosts of our fallen brothers and sisters are now being heard and they don't like their or their families exploitation Phil.

Let the dead rest in peace and with respect.

8/16/2007 01:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just wrote to Newsweek about this atrocity, I encourage all PO's to step up to the plate and write and call the media.

We must unite and end the meritocracy that has ruined the CPD

8/16/2007 01:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Aside from the total of $29,000 in police family benefits itemized under "And now I am not forgotten", this whole thing is nothing more than a "cash cow" for God knows what and WHO?

Again, it's "the Chicago Way", just inviting widespread fraud and corruption at the expense of the families of our fallen comrades. You can't get much lower than Michael Acosta and his ilk--stealing from police widows!

The Chicago Park District can do the routine landscaping and maintenance.

Take a look at the abysmal excuse for the "2006 Financial Report". Is the author aware of the fact that "$4,145.2 million" equals $4.1452 BILLION dollars? That requires third grade math, not a degree in accountancy. Note the asterisk(*) after "Fundraising/Events Costs".
Kindly explain the asterisk.

Add the misspellings. Will Phil Cline live "in a fitting manor"(sic)?

Could Cline and others really believe that we are obtuse morons?

If he is sincere and cares to volunteer, fine. Otherwise, Florida calls.

8/16/2007 02:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off topic, this is the type of response that the department should be giving the revs and their ignorant followers who demand answers after every shooting: Courtesy of A FEW GOOD MEN:

Son, we live in a world that has walls (ghettos), and those walls (ghettos) have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? You, (insert any revs name)? I have more responsibility here than you could possibly fathom. You weep for (insert dead gangbanger), and you curse the (Chicago Police Department). You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That (dead gangbangers) death, while tragic (well, not that tragic), probably saved lives (and tax dollars). And that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. I know deep down in places you dont talk about at parties, you don't want me on that wall (patroling the streets), you need me on that wall (patroling the streets). We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

Nicholson for the next supe!!!

8/16/2007 02:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'am a Gold Star Family member ( Kurt Kaner) and have a suggestion. If indeed this memorial needs payed employees why not ask Gold Star Family members or disabled officers if they would like a job. There are plenty of us to chose from and no I'm not looking for another paid job. I would freely volunteer my time if needed. What better way to honor my fellow members then offer some widow or child a job.
When my father was killed the first Mayor Daly offered my mother a job as a crossing guard. My mother declined because she was bitter and hated the city. She felt the system killed my father. We moved to another state. My mother sued the city to get a cost of living raise and won for all widows. You see, when an officer was killed back then the widow only recieved what the husband made at the time of death. We had death threats by the Black Panthers during my fathers trial. I remember as a five year old boy having a squad car detailed out front.Three of the convicted killers have since been released. Only one remains in prison. He has come up for parole every year since 1985. Every year is like ground hog day. Our pain never goes away, we just learn to live with it. My mother also sued the Federal Government because my father was killed with a sawed off shotgun which was stolen from the Governments possession. They settled and gave us peanuts compared to some of the settlements the city has given out to shitheads. The reason I write this information is so you know of some of the continuing stuggles we face. I have seen many sups who have come and gone. I have had many Assit States Attorneys call me regarding parole. They have all come and gone. The one constant is my family fighting to keep my fathers killer in prison. I will fight ths battle till my last breath.
I agree 100% with SCC. I don't always, but on this issue I do. If they want to start paying people, employ family members. My mother worked very hard after my fathers death. She had to be bread winner, father and mother.
Stay safe.

8/16/2007 03:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THIS CITY IS SUCH A JOKE WITH ITS UNDERMANNED POLICE DEPARTMENT THE GUARDIAN ANGELS ARE ALL OVER 019 AND 023 PATROLLING AND PASSING OUT FLYERS ABOUT THE LAKEVIEW RAPISTS.

HIRE MORE POLICE AND STOP THE MADNESS

8/16/2007 04:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roe Conn won't do shit. Our police memorial emailed the station several times asking if they would donate a billboard for the (3) unsolved murders of CPD, Maywood and Metra officers.

Thanks for shedding light on this SCC, when I told you about the donation practices...

8/16/2007 06:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Because the Police Memorial Park and fund is so new everyone involved probably has only the best intentions about the park and fundraising. In my opinion its better to ask questions now and set up a completely transparent financial statement and board of directors (hopefully filled with gold star family members) to run the operation then for us to find out tens years down the line that it became just another corrupt and clout filled city program run by thieves.

8/16/2007 06:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC whats this "WE" shit ?

8/16/2007 06:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where is Mike Murphy? Hey Mike, you squeezed so many recruits and others to donate. Now you are silent in a nice unit with a car. What is your position, Mike? The reward for hard work with the memorial? Company car in a do nothing unit and future promtion.

8/16/2007 06:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with your suggestion Mr. Kaner. God Bless

8/16/2007 07:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Roe Conn won't do shit. Our police memorial emailed the station several times asking if they would donate a billboard for the (3) unsolved murders of CPD, Maywood and Metra officers.

Thanks for shedding light on this SCC, when I told you about the donation practices...

8/16/2007 06:31:00 AM

CONN IS AN ASSHOLE HE EVEN TURNED ON HIS RADIO PARTNER THAT MADE THE IDIOTS RATINGS GO THROUGH THE ROOG GARY MEIER!

8/16/2007 07:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE NUMBERS DON'T ADD UP AND THAT THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY ASKEW WITH THE CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL.

8/16/2007 07:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I DON'T THINK THEY SHOULD ALLOW PHAT PHIL AND SGT. MIKE MURPHY TO STRONG-ARM PEOPLE IN THE ACADEMY OR IN THE DISTRICTS.

IF PEOPLE WANT TO CONTRIBUTE THEY WILL,FORCING THEM TO CONTRIBUTE WITH INTIMIDATION IS WRONG.

AN ABUSE OF POWER AND AUTHORITY

8/16/2007 07:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WE NEED TO GET THIS OUT TO THE NEWS MEDIA, THERE IS A HUGE STORY HERE.

WE HAVE MADE OURSELVES COLLECTIVELY FELT WITH OUR EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF OFFICER MIKE METTE. LETS ONCE AGAIN STAND UNITED AND WAGE A MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO GET THIS STORY OUT TO THE MASSES.

UNITED WE STAND,DIVIDED WE FALL

IT IS ONLY US,AGAINST ALL OTHERS,BLUE BROTHERS

8/16/2007 07:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anyone who is assosciated with Phil Cline is trash. That man can go no lower than stealing and profiting form our dead heroes.

FUCK CLINE

8/16/2007 08:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHO CARES ALREADY, I DONATED ONCE TO HELP BUILD THE MEMORIAL. I DID MY PART IN BUILDING A GREAT TRIBUTE. I WILL CONTINUE TO BUY RAFFLES, BENEFIT TICKETS ETC. FOR MY FELLOW BROTHERS/SISTERS WHO NEED HELP, BUT I GOT BILLS OF MY OWN (MORTGAGE, TUITIONS FOR KIDS ETC) SO CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME.

8/16/2007 08:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phil Cline was Marquette Eleven,once a crook always a crook...

No Honor Among Thieves

8/16/2007 08:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC,you have my support to question away.I dont think you were out of line at all.Keep up the good work.

8/16/2007 09:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"demanding accountability is NOT a fault, is NOT cowardly, is NOT an attack upon the Memorial and what it represents. It is a Duty to our Dead to ensure that their memories are not sullied by shoddy accounting practices and paid directorships that haven't existed in the past"

When are people going to realize this???

8/16/2007 09:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

REGARDING THE CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION CONTROVERSY.

I have spoken to an attorney who will look into the police memorial for us.

He needs the Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

The By-laws are public record as well as the Illinois Charter which he will obtain.

My attorney buddy believes that the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has raised too much money and now must become a charity to comply with federal and state laws or disolve and donate any remaining monies to a charitable 501(c)3,Goldstar Families,etc. Phil needed a job and a big check along with some other clout babies unfortunately.

Following are the articles of purpose, inurement and dissolution that must be included in your Articles of Incorporation.

Purpose – The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Inurement of Income – No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. WHO DEFINES WHAT REASONABLE COMPENSATION IS? WHO IS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

Dissolution – Upon dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Trustees, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation, will dispose of all assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such a manner, or to such an organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board of Trustees shall determine. THE CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISOLVED AFTER THE POLICE MEMORIAL WAS BUILT AND PAYED FOR. THE REMAINDER OF ANY MONIES COULD HAVE BEEN DISBURSED TO THE GOLDSTAR FAMILIES FUND OR ANY OTHER RECOGNIZED 501(C)3 CHARITY ORGANIZATION.

8/16/2007 10:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHY NOT PURCHASE ALL CPD SWORN MEMBERS A LONGTERM DISABILITY INSURANCE POLICY AND A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY USING THE REMAINDER OF THE FUNDS RAISED?

WE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GROUP DISCOUNT AND THIS WOULD INSURE THERE WOULD BE NO WASTE OF FUNDS ON BLOATED SALARIES OR SCANDALS ASSOSCIATED WITH THE CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FUND.

EVERYONE WOULD RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFITS THUS INSURING NO CLOUT BABY POLITICS.

8/16/2007 10:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know what I hate is you'll have the PO who does nothing but bitch about contributing a couple of dollars a month to a worthy cause. Then he'll spend maybe $200 to $300 dollars on Bears tickets to take his kid to a game where he'll spend another $100 on food and refreshments once inside to see a bunch of thugs, half of which should be behind bars.

Now what is that PO going to tell his kid when they walk by the Police Memorial on the way from that great $50.00 parking spot and his kid says, "Hey dad what is that Police Park?" I suppose the guy who can't afford gas in his car will probably respond, "Oh thats just another way the city/bosses fuck the policeman.

Real nice. Get your priorities straight people.


the spin never stops.

8/16/2007 10:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These numbers are for 2006. We are approaching sept 2007, Yet the memorial is built. How much cash is in the fund as of todays date???

8/16/2007 10:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

why is my deferred tanking? what bogus fund should i put it in to minimize the pain?

8/16/2007 11:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want to take this opportunity to actually write something positive. Thank you Phil Cline for The Gold Star Families and Memorial Park. I would also like to thank Sergeant Michael Murphy for all the extreme dedication, hours, and passion put into physically making this happen. This would also not be possible without the Gold Star Family members. You all worked beautifully together to accomplish this goal.

Please don't let all of these negative comments bring you down or doubt even for a second that your hard work isn't appreciated.

A big thanks should also go out to the officers making payroll contributions unconditionally.

Many others had much to do with getting this done and thank you as well.

I'm very sorry to hear that so many people are disappointed with issues regarding the park. I would like to say just give them what they want (a financial breakdown), but it seems to me that in the long run they will still be very angry about something. You cannot make everyone happy all of the time.

KUDOS to EVERYONE involved in this phenomenal memorial!!!

8/16/2007 11:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To those who think accountability is improper - what has historically separated the developed world from the Third World is accountability. In the Third World it's all about who you're related to. When you suggest auditing the books it's like you're accusing someone of stealing, which they often have. In this country we used to understand that accountability helps to keep people honest. It's when we do everything with a wink and a nod and "oh, he's a good person" that we become what the Third World is. If you want to see the end result of Liberalism, big government, gun control, group-based politics, etc. look no further than a couple dozen countries in Africa. It's really sad to come back here and see the same garbage growing here that has destroyed these African countries.

8/16/2007 11:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THIS IS A JOB FOR WHANE HAREJ.

NON-PROFIT GROUP MUST PRODUCE INFO.

THAT MEANS SOMEONE MUST OFFICIALLY REQUEST THE DOCUMENTS.

8/16/2007 11:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Financial Information
From Inception Through 12/31/06
Revenues/Donations $4,145.2 million 100.0%
Memorial Costs $3,214.2 million 77.5%
Fundraising/Event Costs* $575.3 thousand 13.9%
Cash on Hand $334.7 thousand 8.1%
Awards/Assistance $21.0 thousand .5%


Another score for the chosen.

8/16/2007 11:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To: 8/16/2007 03:28:00 AM

Thank you sir. God bless you, your father, and his memory.

8/16/2007 11:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I already stopped my payroll deductions,everyone should ,this whole things reeks of corruption.

8/16/2007 12:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There will never ever be sufficient answers for you or any of your supporters. You are scared little girls who hide behind anonymous e-mails. If you are so brave and want to have a discussion why don't you show the courage orf your convictions that Sgt. Garrido did and leave your name and contact information. There is not one organization in this world that will ever satisfy everyones needs but I can tell you this. Our, sorry not yours, Our, the ones who truly care for Our fallen and Our injured, Our Memorial was bulit in less than 3 years with and that in is a amazing and wonderful accomplishemnt. If they could do that with the money then I am confident that they will continue to do wonderful things. You sicken me you coward. Please quit your job if you even are the police. Hey have any of you ever considered that the sick bastard(s) running this site aren't even the police but some crazed civilian who just wants to watch you tear each other apart.
I'll tell you this, you should all be ashamed of yoruselves! Why don't you out yourself you cowards and have a sit down with someone from the FOundation. I am sure that they would have no problem what so ever about discusing any questions you have. You may or may not get the answers you like but at least you would have the facts instead of your wild made up stories.
I challenge each and everyone of you to boycott this site! The less of you who respond to this NON COP the better. All we do including myself at this point is fuel this sick little bastards fire. Suffocate the flames and let them die. BOYCOTT this NON COPS page forever!

8/16/2007 12:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From the original SCC Post:
As to people contending that the "Mission beyond the Memorial" was always part of the plan, we (and dozens of others) don't recall that at all. The early Roll Call videos were about the Memorial, not the continuing mission.


(SORRY FOR ALL CAPS, JUST WANT TO DISTINGUISH WHAT WAS ON THE ORIGINAL POST WITH WHAT I AM WRITING)
YOU ARE RIGHT, THE "MISSION BEYOND THE MEMORIAL" WAS NEVER MARKETED TO ANYONE IN THE DEPARTMENT ON THE VIDEO'S OR EVEN AT ANY ROLL CALL PRESENTATIONS, BUT SUPT. CLINE WAS TALKING ABOUT IT WHEREVER HE WENT FROM THE GET GO. I DID MAKE A SUGGESTION THAT THE NOTION OF THE "MISSION BEYOND..." WASN'T BEING MENTIONED ANYWHERE, AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE, NOTHING WAS DONE. BUT TRULY, I DID HEAR ABOUT IT FROM THE BEGINNING.

Again, for the benefit of those attacking us - demanding accountability is NOT a fault, is NOT cowardly, is NOT an attack upon the Memorial and what it represents. It is a Duty to our Dead to ensure that their memories are not sullied by shoddy accounting practices and paid directorships that haven't existed in the past, yet suddenly appear when a retired exempt (nominally in charge of the strong arming that went on) needs a job.

I TOTALLY AGREE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ACCOUNTING FOR THE FUNDS. THERE IS A LOT OF $ INVOLVED AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH DEMANDING/DESIRING ACCOUNTABILITY WITH REGARD TO THE $ COLLECTED.

Why isn't everyone asking these questions? Are the answers you're getting satisfying you? So far, they aren't satisfying us.

posted by SCC at 12:05 AM on Aug 16, 2007

I THINK THE SUDDEN INSTITUTION OF THE (APPARENTLY PAID) DIRECTORSHIP DOES RAISE SOME QUESTIONS. THAT ISN'T TO SAY THERE ISN'T A REASON OR EVEN A NEED FOR A PAID DIRECTORSHIP NOR IS IT TO SAY THAT HAVING P. CLINE IN THE POSITION IS A BAD IDEA, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE A SURPRISE BUT HIGHLY ORCHESTRATED MOVE THAT PERHAPS COULD HAVE WAITED UNTIL A MORE APPROPRIATE TIME THAN THE EXACT DATE THAT P. CLINE RETIRED FROM THE DEPARTMENT...I DON'T KNOW.. ALL I KNOW IS IT DOES MAKE ONE THINK, AND QUESTION THE ENTIRETY OF THE SITUATION....

8/16/2007 03:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the guy that posted the Lt. Col. Johnathon Kendrick quotes, "turn off the DVD and get some air".
For the rest of you cry babys, if u don't like it go out and get a real job. Good luck,with you Calumet College degree. This is the best job you will ever have, so shut the F*** up, abd go lock some bad guys up and stop writing movers to old ladies, chinneese men, and taking away teenagers beer.

8/16/2007 04:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8/16/2007 12:36:00 AM

Thanks for the post Phil.

8/16/2007 05:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm still failing to feel the outrage or even comprehend what the hell the excitement is over. We have no proof that Cline has a PAID position, or how much is paid if they are paying him. Like no one EVER started a rumor here before.

SO the financial information isn't as detailed as we'd like...but come on, it IS done by coppers, right? It was their first financial statement, I'm guessing they did the best they could at the time. The next one better be top notch and contain the requested info.

I think there are a lot of unanswered questions here that should be answered before everyone starts name calling and crying over nothing. IF it proves to be true that Cline is making some kind of big profit off of this, I will join your outrage. IF it can be proven that there is some kind of skimming going on, and money supposed to honor our fallen is being stolen, I will join your outrage.

Until that time, forgive me for with holding judgment.

I will agree, though, that the strong arm tactics used to FORCE contributions were more than ridiculous. If it proves to be true that only participants get to the Units ( and I can't imagine how that could ever be proven without a confession )then, well, then nothing! Welcome to Chicago, crybabies. What did you expect?

8/16/2007 06:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anyone who wants detailed information on virtually any 501(C)(3) can go to Guidestar.org. Register and then search for "Chicago Police Memorial Foundation" and you'll be able to pull up the documents filed with the Feds (IRS Form 990). The 2005 report -- filed in October 2006 -- is the most recent available. That year they took in about $1.5 million. The architect was paid $255 grand plus change while advertising and pr costs were about $32,500 and event costs almost $60 grand. Have fun.

8/16/2007 06:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
To the guy that posted the Lt. Col. Johnathon Kendrick quotes, "turn off the DVD and get some air".
For the rest of you cry babys, if u don't like it go out and get a real job. Good luck,with you Calumet College degree. This is the best job you will ever have, so shut the F*** up, abd go lock some bad guys up and stop writing movers to old ladies, chinneese men, and taking away teenagers beer.

8/16/2007 04:41:00 PM


Easy Tiger...deep breaths

8/16/2007 06:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

why is my deferred tanking? what bogus fund should i put it in to minimize the pain?

8/16/2007 11:14:00 AM

Have you checked the stock market lately? As long as your investments are diversified (U.S. and intl. stocks, bonds, cash), unless you're going to retire in the next couple of years you should be fine.

8/16/2007 06:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If Phil Cline "was talking about the mission beyond the memorial everywhere he went" then why the hell didn't he talk about his post retirement job with the memorial foundation everywhere he went.
Come on its just common sense that you don't put pressure on anyone to donate to a charity and then take a paid position with that charity.

8/16/2007 06:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The CPD Memorial Foundation should have a precise,comphrensive breakdown of all donations and expenditures.If they do not,we the Blueshirts should set up a fund and hire a forensic accountant to investigate these allegations...

8/16/2007 07:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please don't let all of these negative comments bring you down or doubt even for a second that your hard work isn't appreciated.


You sir are not going to make me feel guilty. If Asking questions keeps this department honest then whats the problem? Please answer that

8/16/2007 07:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

MY Dad was working as a patrolmen some years back. He became a diabetic during this time complications lead to him having part of his foot removed. My Dad had 11 years on CPD at that time, he was placed on disability and refused a light duty.( he was capable up doing) He received A year at 50% for every 4 years a little over 3 years Then out the door. Understand I realize if this is the system then thats ok however some don't get kicked out the door. Yet Officers who are connected with very little time on become disabled this dept will always find inside jobs. I know of many. If you take care of 1 you take care of all. Sorry to say that will never happen the memorial fund will pick and choose who they take care of, and thats part of the problem, along with the accountability of the Funds.

8/16/2007 07:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I see a federal investigation lerking in the wind... I hope if anyone lined their pockets will give it back to the RIGHT cause. TO OUR FALLEN. Hello I.R.S. Someone needs an Audit and it can be arranged!

8/16/2007 08:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For the rest of you cry babys, if u don't like it go out and get a real job. Good luck,with you Calumet College degree. This is the best job you will ever have, so shut the F*** up, abd go lock some bad guys up and stop writing movers to old ladies, chinneese men, and taking away teenagers beer.

Truth Hurts! BOSS

8/16/2007 08:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8/16/2007 12:36:00 AM

Thanks for the post Phil.

8/16/2007 05:23:00 PM

This post isn't from Phil unless I lost about 200 pounds and recently retired with a hell of a pension.

It's from a cop who's sick of every one bitching like teenage girls about every little thing. You don't like it, Stop Giving! End of story go on with your pathetic little lives and and find something else to bitch about.
You guys bitching about this just makes me want to puke.

Brothers in blue my ass. It's all what have you done for me lately!

8/16/2007 08:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"When you can't attack the message, attack the messenger we suppose. It works for the democrats."
What an assine statement. You've SCC have joined the "lump them all" in one category with the "savages" and "animal" bloggers.
How about NONE of the candidates, repub or democrat, reflect my views.

8/16/2007 11:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AGAIN, as a veteran patrolman with out a "Phone-call", no clout, no anything, and still driving a beat car. I sit and watch with each and every one of you as this department sinks into the ground.
HOW EVER, Phil Cline (Who I have never spoken with, attended a party for, or have any dealings with) is the one; NOT YOU OR I that got this memorial off the ground.
If we sit here and make assumptions about financial wrong doings than I say again...
VOLUNTEER YOUR OWN TIME TO KEEP UP THE MEMORIAL.
Go a head, lets start anew and have ALL of us sign up and VOLUNTEER our own time to keep the memorial going.
Please start here as an on-line petition to the F.O.P. for voluteers to maintain fundraising, and physical upkeep of the memorial.
Its for all of us after all...

SHAME ON US ALL.

8/17/2007 12:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kurt Kaner's family is incredible.

8/17/2007 12:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Roe Conn won't do shit. Our police memorial emailed the station several times asking if they would donate a billboard for the (3) unsolved murders of CPD, Maywood and Metra officers.
_________________________
Few people have done more for the police than Roe Conn.

8/17/2007 12:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I see many posts refering to monies that go to disabled POs. I've been on duty disability for some time now. Right now I receive 60% of my pay (you did know that, over time, your original 75% shrinks to 60%). I have never been offered a dime by any fund or the FOP. My point is, don't think that when you're on disability money is being thrown at you - it's not. Try and get by on 60% of your salary. The Department told me I had to leave. There was no offer of a light duty job. Every year the FOP promises to raise the 60% bottom up to 75%. Every year they make no effort to have the bills passed into law. There was an extra long session in Springfield this year. Plenty of time to lobby (you did know that the FOP pays a lobbiest in Springfield). Nothing.

8/17/2007 12:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8/17/2007 12:32:00 AM

FOP ALSO PAYS OFF MANY ALDERMEN ALSO VIA BUYING FUND RAISING TICKETS THEN WHY DO WE NOT HAVE ANY VOICE IN CITY HALL? WHERE IS A CONTRACT? GO AHEAD MARK GIVE IT ALL AWAY IT IS NOT "YOUR MONEY"!

8/17/2007 07:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8/17
12:32am
Have never gotten a raise since I've been on disability which means that I now actually make less than 50% of what my salary is.Phil and his "mission beyond", the FOP, the state senators and reps none of them give a shit about the disabled coppers. Especially Phil if he is in charge of the funds will see to it that only those with the right connections will get any financial assistance. Just read your FOP newsletter and ask P.O. Overton how she was helped by Phil and the city throughout her disability ordeal. I believe the disabled are treated like shit so most will finally give up and come off disability and go from leave of absence DPR to regular pension thereby saving the city and department the hassle of paying the disabled coppers medical insurance. FOP if you read this why don't you take the clause in the contract about paid scripts for the disabled out since you never have forced the city to pay for them in all these years. To my fellow coppers please be careful and take care of yourselves. You are only one radio call, one heart attack or one car accident away from becoming disabled so PLEASE be very careful and take care of yourselves because nobody else will help you after you get sick or hurt.

8/17/2007 11:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is not one cop on the board of directors....active or retired. What gives? Now Cline is getting a paid directorship?

This should be a volunteer position. No one should be getting paid to serve on that board. You volunteer for the passion, from your heart, not for $$.

8/17/2007 10:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC to be named in a federal investigation and sent to the Grand Jury regarding ALL the alleged wrong doing that SCC posts and allows to be posted.

SCC to answer to his knowledge or whom he has recieved information regarding federal civil rights violations.

8/17/2007 10:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"SCC to be named in a federal investigation and sent to the Grand Jury regarding ALL the alleged wrong doing that SCC posts and allows to be posted.

SCC to answer to his knowledge or whom he has recieved information regarding federal civil rights violations.

8/17/2007 10:33:00 PM"

Don't hold your breath on that one. Is that meant to scare or intimidate SCC?

Do yourself a favor, shit in one hand and wish in the other, see which one fill up 1st
HAND JOB !!

8/18/2007 08:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors)member and would like to say I have bought tickets shirts and every thing else for this memorial! First of all it's a waste of money to put these hero's names on another piece of stone because they have memorials in D.C., Florida, Springfield Illinois, and the F.O.P. Hall! How many are they going to build? The money should go to widows to supplement lost income from their deceased spouses, and for college funds for their children, and anything else they need that their spouse or parent could have provided. Another thing we always hear is we will never forget them or we will always honor them! What a bunch of bull that is , because we still have people working 99 , with bad equipment , and these cop killers still come up for parole and even get released instead of serving their full sentence! And the most embarrasing of all is Cline taking a paid job for a memorial he pushed hard for, and anyone else , and you all know who you are that are trying to further their careers and using our fallen officers to do it!

8/18/2007 01:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sgt. Mike Murphy is a real tool! I went to the Credit union one day to use the cash station and it said out of service. So I went inside to make a withdrawal and low and behold who set up shop in the lobby but the networking Sgt. himself , strongarming everyone who had to go inside. A coincidence? No way, I hope this asshole doesn't make Lieutenant because he has never been the police! He would be an asset on Daley's staff instead!

8/18/2007 02:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Regarding Murphy being a tool..........why is asking for contributions for a great cause,strongarming? I can't comprehend how all the strong (physical and emotional) police get this perception. What is wrong with saying, "No thanks I give in other ways," Or here is a good one, tell him how you really feel.
I hope he becomes a Lt. I would certainly love to see someone like him in that spot as opposed to some wining cry baby who can't stick up for themselves. Murphy wouldn't have any problem sticking up for himself or his beliefs.

8/20/2007 11:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading these comments from fellow workers of mine, you all make me SICK. Have you ever volunteered for the Police Memorial? I have and you know what they are all great people who work hard for everyone on this job- and the families who lost their loved ones in the line of duty...not only while on duty but off duty...they just gave a good friend of mine Bobbie Rawa's wife and kids money to help them out...why don't you get off your asses and volunteer instead of bitching about the PM on your computer...it could be you that needs help and you know what no matter if you give out of your check or not they will be there for you and your family.
PO Smith

8/20/2007 01:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PO Smith Sorry dud, Millions of dollars not accounted for. I refuse to be a fool any longer.

8/21/2007 12:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It was refreshing to read that when the real police smell shit; they go straight to the toilet and call a terd a terd!

The whole Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is fishy. It’s a boys club. There are guys up on the Wall that have no legit place being there…and there are other guys that earned a spot there and yet - have been denied!

Constable James Quinn is the only cop in the history of the CPD who has had his line of duty death certified by a panel of independent and professional historians from the Chicago History Museum. The Illinois State Legislature and the Chicago City Council also reviewed the Quinn evidence and they too found that his death was indeed a line of duty death…yet Cline and his lap dog pooches cling to their bullshit about Quinn and refuse to properly enshrine him.

Quinn made the ultimate sacrifice and he has been denied a place of honor cause of politics and bullshit. It is an outrage for every rank and file member of the CPD.

And NOBODY is standing up for Quinn. I mean nobody!

Not only is Quinn denied a place, but at least 2 other guys have NO business being on the Wall! Don’t believe it? I’ll make good on my word…I will donate $1,000.00 to the Memorial if anyone can tell me how Morgan P. Donahue or Edward Leach earned a legit spot on that Wall?

Go to my web site: www.constablequinn.com and click on “$1,000.00 donation to the CPD Memorial Fund if…” You will read about these two outrageous cases…just click on the links.

Also, I agree 100% with the bloggers who suggest that Cline is morally bankrupt if he were to carve himself out one red cent of the Memorial funds by taking a job as its Director. He’s proven he’s a liar by fabricating a March 22, 2006, Awards Committee meeting on the Quinn case…all in a move to fool the Mayor into thinking the Quinn case had been properly adjudicated. Wrong! It all backfired and his boys (Grau and Williams) equal co-conspirators in this fabricated meeting were found out by the mayor and that is why they were dumped from the final 3…Make NO mistake about that!

It was the Curse of Constable Quinn!

Quinn’s denial on the Wall has nothing to do with the merits or evidence of the Quinn case…Rather, it has everything to do with Cline’s personal and professional jealousy over the success of the Larry Hoover/ Gangster Disciple case that I quarterbacked for the DEA Chicago office from 1991 to 1995. Cline was a Lieutenant assigned to Gangs at Maxwell Street in 1993 and he wanted to join our investigation of the GD’s. The United States Attorney’s Office refused to allow Cline et al to join our federal investigation. Why? Because Cline had Joe Miedzianowski and John Galligan working for him at Maxwell Street and the U.S. Attorney’s office knew they were crooks and therefore blocked Cline from joining the case. Period. That’s the real deal.

And poor Old Constable Quinn suffers for it today!

Cline hates me simply because I was the DEA Supervisor who created, designed and implemented the bugged Visitor’s Pass, which according to the Federal Appellate Court Judge, Frank Easterbrook, produced “the prosecution's best evidence--tapes of intercepted conversations, evidence so crushing that the rest of the prosecution's case scarcely mattered.”

My team took down Larry Hoover and ALL of his henchmen and the former Lt. Phil Cline, had ZERO to do with that case. Cline will never get over it! Notice that nowhere in his 54 page parting memo does he mention the GD’s and Hoover.

And the Constable suffers for it today!

If Phil Cline wants to settle a score with me and raise money for his Memorial…I have an idea: I will box him in Grant Park…an outdoor match.

I am not in the same weight class as he, but I guarantee I will kick his ass. And after I finish giving him a trimmin, I will take on his 2 idiot historians: that empty holstered retired, pooch, Captain Jerry O’Sullivan and his wanna-be lackey “I am not a police officer” Dennis Bingham…

We can charge $25.00 per head to get in….We should get lots of people there to see these rotten, lying, phonies finally get their comeuppance.

I have had the distinct honor of spending thousands of hours and a few thousand of my own dollars putting the Quinn case together. I stumbled upon it in 2002 and have been a Quinn proponent since. I am not a Quinn descendent. I found him while tracing my own family’s legacy in the CPD. My great grandfather came from Ireland and joined the CPD in 1894; my grandfather in 1922 and my father in 1946. I joined the Feds in 1975 only cause I had the good fortune to go to college….but my heart and lifeblood will always be CPD Blue…

Please join the Quinn Brigade and talk about this outrage in your Districts….and come see me kick Cline’s ass if the has the balls to accept this challenge!

8/21/2007 04:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How do you know millions of dollars are not accounted for? Are you the accountant...Did you get a newsletter asswipe, the financial's are on the back. If we don't help our own then who will ? Not joe blow on the corner!
I read this blog just to see how many f'in cry babies are out there who are big talkers but yet won't give there names....if you have vaild points and accurate information, why not give your name? And for that matter, Strongarming you to give....your an adult...just say no!
If you don't like who you are working for or what's going on...QUIT...there are plenty of us who won't cry to see you go. We don't need crybabies on the job...we need people who will be there to back one another up.
PO Smith

8/22/2007 08:30:00 AM  

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