METROPOLIS
in the video, it’s pretty clear who manhandles whom and that Rodriguez and the unforgiving asphalt beneath her did not just bump into each other like two old chums at Kroger.
Police brutality has only ramped up nationwide over the past 30 years, with the most killings in more than a decade occurring in 2023. The number of officers held accountable for using excessive force is comically low. The nonprofit Mapping Police Violence reports that from 2013 to 2022, 98% of all police killings did not result in charges against the implicated officers.
The pro-cop argument is that force is almost always required to effect arrests. Force like the kind applied to Rodriguez is different. Such responses are necessary only when arresting officers feel their lives are threatened, and based on the assorted videos of Rodriguez’s arrest, she indeed moves into the arresting officer’s personal space but does not appear to threaten him in any way.
WFAA says, “The video shows Rodriguez falling to the ground.”
Not being thrown by a police officer — as she clearly was — but “falling” as if it were her fault. (It wasn’t.)
NBC 5 says, “Another officer steps between them and, after a short time, appears to attempt to arrest the woman before she hits the ground.”
Not “before the arresting officer grabs Rodriguez by the arm and whips her down to the pavement” but before Rodriguez and the ground meet.
The same NBC report goes on to say that as the officer “puts her arm behind her back,” Rodriguez “falls to the ground.”
Not “as the officer ... forces her face-first
into the concrete” but as Rodriguez and the ground meet, again.
Fox 4 News implies that unseen forces were at play. “Surveillance and body camera video show Rodriguez being swung to the ground.”
“Swung to the ground” by whom? By the arresting officer? By gravity? By the Holy Ghost?
The Star-Telegram fared the best, saying without equivocation that the cop slammed Rodridguez down, both in the headline (“slams”) and the lede (“slam”).
All of this passive voice from the rest means the threat of litigation has neutered daily reporters’, editors’, producers’, and publishers’ ability to say the truth, because
Rodriguez also has said she’s been arrested while cop watching before, but unless she violently touched the Fort Worth officer (she did not) or verbally abused him (also no), it’s obvious that such force was not needed. Legacy media could help hold rogue cops accountable by simply reporting their misdeeds or mistakes clearly instead of spinning them to preserve all-important access to law enforcement for future stories.
Only one Fort Worth City Councilmember, Chris Nettles, publicly denounced the arrest, and City Council discussed the issue during an executive session (closed door) Friday. No steps have been taken to remedy the situation. l
This column reflects the opinions of the editorial board and not the Fort Worth Weekly To submit a column, please email Editor Anthony Mariani at Anthony@FWWeekly. com. He will gently edit it for clarity and concision.
Local media make it seem cop-watcher Rodriguez was to blame for her concussion, disjointed limbs, and other injuries.
Courtesy YouTube
CLASSIFIEDS
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CHEBA HUT
Cheba Hut has open interviews on Tuesdays from 9am to 9pm. “Join the dank side!” 1217 8th Ave Near Southside
HEALTH TRAVEL
ACCOMMODATIONS
According to the New York Times, the following companies have said they would cover travel expenses for employees who need reproductive health services not available in Texas: Airbnb, DoorDash, JP Morgan Chase, Levi Strauss & Co, Netflix, Patagonia, Reddit, Starbucks, Tesla, and Yelp. Additionally, NowThis has listed the following companies also offering the same assistance to employees: Amazon, Apple, BuzzFeed, Citigroup, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lyft, Mastercard, Meta, Microsoft, Paramount, Sony, Tesla, Walt Disney Co, Vox Media, and Zillow. (JMB, FWW)
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Located at 908 Pennsylvania Av (817335-3222), CCC has services on Sundays at 10am. Want to check out a nonjudgmental, inclusive church at home before attending in person? All services can also be viewed on YouTube (@ CelebrationCommunityChurch130).
POTTER’S HOUSE
Join the Potter’s House of Fort Worth (1270 Woodhaven Blvd, 817-446-1999) for Sunday Service at 8am and Wednesday Bible Study at 7pm. For more info, visit us online: www.TPHFW.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke
These are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special Offer: 5 Screenings for $149! Call today! 1-833-636-1757.
PET SERVICES
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company covers 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! Call or visit Dental50plus. com/fortworth (#6258).
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Planned Parenthood Of Greater Texas
We’re not going anywhere. We know you may be feeling a lot of things right now, but we are here with you and we will not stop fighting for YOU. See 6 ways you can join the #BansOffOurBodies fight on FB @PPGreaterTX. For more info, go to: PPGreaterTX.org
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MIND / BODY / SPIRIT
Hannah in Hurst 817.590.2257
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Any Texans who may be concerned that an unlicensed massage business may be in operation near them, or believe nail salon employees may be human trafficking victims, may now report those concerns directly to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) by emailing ReportHT@TDLR. Texas.gov.
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EMPLOYMENT
Alcon Research, LLC has openings for Senior Regulatory Specialist for the Fort Worth, TX office. Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the defined regulatory strategy. Works in close collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g., supply chain, project management, commercial regions) to streamline regulatory processes in order to achieve business objects. Job is 40 hours per week. Please send all resumes to Sylvia Cruz, Alcon Research, LLC, 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76134, Ref. No. VJ0624.
EMPLOYMENT
Pathway Vet Alliance, LLC dba Thrive Pet Healthcare seeks Emergency Veterinarians for the Mansfield, TX locations to treat injuries in pets. REQ’D: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or foreign equivalent + Eligible for state veterinary license. Apply at: https:// app.jobvite.com/j?aj=oQ3Ztfw5&s= Animal_Emergency_Thrive_Mansfield.
EMPLOYMENT
Software Engineer II at American Specialty Heath Inc. in Fort Worth, TX will design, develop, maintain and troubleshoot software applications. Telecommuting permitted as business needs allow, reporting to the Fort Worth office. Salary range: $89,274 - $150,000 per year. Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field, plus 2 years of experience in a software developer occupation or related occupation. The 2 years of experience must include 2 years of experience with each of the following: programming in C#, C++, ASP.Net, VB.Net, Java, or JavaScript; .NET framework; REST APIs; unit testing; Node.js, Angular, Ember, or React; relational database queries, including MySQL or Microsoft SQL; message queuing protocols and solutions; software design patterns and SOLID design principles; and working in an agile environment with CI/CD processes. Interested candidates must email resumes to hr@ashn.com and reference job code #024. #LI-DNI #LI-NDI #LI-DNP
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HISTORIC RIDGLEA THEATER
THE RIDGLEA is three great venues within one historic Fort Worth landmark. RIDGLEA THEATER has been restored to its authentic allure, recovering unique Spanish-Mediterranean elements. It is ideal for large audiences and special events. RIDGLEA ROOM and RIDGLEA LOUNGE have been making some of their own history, as connected adjuncts to RIDGLEA THEATER, or hosting their own smaller shows and gatherings. More at theRidglea.com
OFFERING PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICES
in Tarrant and Parker Counties. Providing honest, dependable work at a fair price! Call or Text today for a FREE estimate.
Chris 817-495-3017
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following vehicles have been impounded with fees due to date by Lone Star Towing (VSF0647382) at 1100 Elaine Pl, Fort Worth TX, 76196, 817-334-0606: Nissan, Altima, 2004, 1N4AL11F14C148834, $1094.12; Stoughton, Box Trailer, 2001, 1DW1A53231B410089, $1657.96; Voltswagen, Beetle, 1973, 132476336, $1069.36; Voltswagen, Beetle, 1969, VIN 119229087, $1253.99; Voltswagen, Beetle, 1967, 158565911, $994.65; Voltswagen Beetle, 1965, 115171204, $1094.12; 119229087, $1094.12; Voltswagen, Beetle, 1963, 5145916, $1094.12; and Wabash, 2007, 1JJV482W67L082195, $1641.19.
RIVER OAKS FLEA MARKET IS CATTLE BARN FLEA MARKET
Lots of products made in occupied America! Keep an eye out for the new, improved booth from By The Hide COMING SOON!! 4445 River Oaks Blvd
Every Sat & Sun 9a-5p
