Seriously Frank?
What could have been an interesting article...:
The Chicago Police Department has a typewriter repairman. Which it needs because, well, it’s still using typewriters. “Police officers, in general, are very heavy typists,” said Keith Bebonis, the guy the police call to repair those heavy, hard-shelled relics.
“These machines are known to take abuse,” said Bebonis, whose dad started Bebon Office Machines and Supplies in the late 1960s. “I don’t want it to seem like I’m saying they’re taking their frustrations out on the typewriter. But they’re just not very sensitive with these machines.”
Bebon has had a contract to repair 40 to 50 IBM typewriters a year for the police department, along with fixing time stamps and heat sealers. The city has paid Bebon $61,275 between 2007 and February 2020 to repair that aging equipment, records show.
...turns into another "trash the police" by police hater Frank Main:
- But there’s a dark side to the history of typewriters and the Chicago police. Suspects in violent crimes accused late Cmdr. Jon Burge and his “Midnight Crew” of detectives of smothering them with typewriter covers to torture them into confessing in the 1970s and ‘80s, an allegation Burge denied.
And (Frank doesn't say) no one ever proved in a court of law. The fact of the matter was that (and if you talk to detectives who were there) a typewriter cover had a half-life that would rival that of an Ephemera vulgata - the common mayfly. We can safely estimate having seen a few hundred typewriters in our time with the Department and also estimate that we haven't seen a single typewriter cover in that time. Ever.
But don't let that get in the way of Frank's fiction. Does Frank know that Burge retired in 1993? The number of people left on the job who actually worked under Burge's direct supervision is probably in the single digits. The number of cops who even overlapped careers is similarly tiny and 99% of them wouldn't even have known Burge.
There was some ignorant comment the other day about "You cops should testify about how you tortured all those people with Burge" and we were amused and amazed at the historical ignorance of the absolute impossibility of anyone currently on the job having any sort of direct knowledge of Jon Burge. Crap "reporting" like Frank contributes to the stupidity of the public at large.
Labels: media
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
42 Comments:
Jon Burge was a good person and a great cop. Never worked for Jon but knew him well, been to his home in Florida.
Let poor Jon Burge Rest In Peace
I would be more interested in why there are any typewriters in use at all. I havent seen an old IBM Selectric in decades.Where the hell is this good man getting parts ? Sound like an article that could have been about one of Chicago’s Best was corrupted by a dimwith “reporter”.
I started my police career in June, 1995. I'm already retired and I missed Burge by a couple of years. These people are so stupid it's amazing the dummies can find a way to feed themselves. In there, itty, bitty, progressive, toxic minds, the CPD is exactly the same organization it was in 1968. Sorry Charlie, the department I was hired to work in is not the same department I retired from. Back in the 90's, it was a barrel of laughs. Now, it's cry in your beer, the job sucks, the only good thing about it is the pay. Even the pension is on thin ice. They just don't understand, the department is a reflection of society and society sucks the large one now.
I know what someone means when they say they were hit with the smooth. No way in hell any of these neanderthal savages could articulate what a typewriter cover even looks like let alone being hit with one. Banged out some reports way back in the early 90's with typewriters that had no covers and ink ribbons that looked like shredded wheat.
Made detective in July of 1990, 4 weeks in detective training and then assigned to the Violent Crime Unit at the original Area 3 at 39th and California, where Jon Burge was the commander. Worked under Commander Burge until he was suspended in November of 1991, and subsequently fired by the police board. My partner, who was in the same detectives class and also went to Area 3 and I retired on 15 May 2017. We were the last officers on the job who worked for Burge. Lots of typewriters at Area 3, never saw a typewriter cover.
In all the years in the DD I never saw a typewriter cover, in fact I never saw one anywhere on the job. You were lucky if you found a typewriter that had a ribbon in it. Most of the office furniture in the DD in the 70s & 80s were from the 50s & 60s. Watch those old Dragnet shows, that’s what the furniture looked like, except more decrepit.
Who were the suspects that claimed this? This sounds like what the news media does to Trump every day of the week, smear jobs. The always have anonymous sources, inside leaks, confidential informants. But they never come up with any evidence. Once they smear someone the damage is done. I know nothing about this reporter as I don’t read the Times but it sounds like he needed a story to stir up some controversy. Get back to us when you have some solid facts. And ask this reporter if he ever had a cover for his typewriter or computer keyboard.
The next story will be the detective struck me with the fresh flowers from the crystal vase on his desk!
Let's turn over all the cards and I'll give you the answer.I
Smooth=steam iron. Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.
Now, kees me you fool!!!!
In 32 years otj, I never even once saw a typewriter cover in a CPD facility!
And, God bless Commander Jon Burge, the original home-front protector.
I would be more interested in why there are any typewriters in use at all. I havent seen an old IBM Selectric in decades.Where the hell is this good man getting parts ? Sound like an article that could have been about one of Chicago’s Best was corrupted by a dimwith “reporter”.
9/28/2020 12:43:00 AM
You think we had electric typewriters? Now that is humorous! Maybe the superintendent's secretary had an electric typewriter, but everyone else was plodding along on manual typewriters. Also, never saw a word processor in the patrol division. They came and went so fast there was no time to buy them the Chicago Way. Know what I mean? Wink-wink, nod-nod.
9/28/2020 03:46:00 AM
Thanks for the laugh......hubby went on a domestic many years ago where the guy said his ole lady hit him upside the head with the smooth.
A ordinary iron was called a “smoother” in 005 district.
Rest In Peace, Big Jon.
I go back to the late 60's and worked in Area 4 and in the HQ building using mostly manual typewriters and a couple of IBM electrics. I have never seen a typewriter cover in general use in the areas or in the districts and not in most offices of the HQ, where I spent five years. A few of the civilian secretaries in HQ had them, but that was it. Of course the media just loves tin interject something derogatory into every article that they can. I am surprised the media did not try to get a mention of Trump into this article about police typewriters.
Next Frank will be investigating the fabled and infamous "chair" repair unit.
What an asshole Frank Main Vain is
Frank should dig up some ancient shit from the 1930's while he is at it. Would be more interesting.
Last time I seen a typewriter cover it was used under a planter to catch water run off when the Area secretary overwatered her Boston fern.
What’s the angle here, convicted murderers or nonexistent typewriter covers?
With record 600 murders, over 75 this month and 2600 additional shootings in Larri & Kimm’s Lawless Sanctuary City and this boner has to write about typewriter repair. Perhaps the mismanagement, technology or waste within CPD or there’s a blatant refusal by City Hall to provide CPD with technology could be the angle? But $60,000 is not a ton of money for a vendor to collect over 13 years anyway, probably the last honest outfit still doing business with the always in arrears City Dep of Revenue.
Bringing up fables.
The insignificant Main proving he’s the Shemp Howard of local media.
What a boner.
First we need a $450,000 grant to hire Neighborhood Arts Facilitators and Coordinators. They will need specially-imprinted green safety vests, as well as clipboards.
Then get a monstrous old Steelcase desk, and the steel swivel chair with the caved-in seat and 18 layers of duct tape, and this alleged typewriter cover, and ensconce it all in a dramatically-lighted glass case in the lobby of the coming Restorative Justice And Infant Wellness Community Center.
There will be a gala, see-and-be-seen dedication and champagne brunch, at which we can sit and watch a once-working, once-thriving city slowly choke to death, smothered by all of this sanctimonious, saccharine "goodness" that even its most vocal proponents dont actually believe on their way to the bank.
This has a simple solution. Let us spell it for the morons in charge of the CPD. W-o-r-d--p-r-o-c-e-s-s-o-r. Doesn't that make sense? But wait. That's why they won't be used.
The NEXT allegation to be made is that Plastic Adding Machine(!) Covers were used! Burge joined CPD in 1969(1970?). Perhaps Plastic Typewriter Covers were more commonplace at that time, and Burge strategically and craftily stockpiled these items in a secret stash! Perhaps Burge went to various office supply stores— but only after thorough CounterSurveillance work involving multiple cars and public transit and walking and in disguise— and using cash, bought these items. This sounds far fetched, but nothing is beyond the Media in 2020
Follow- up to 28 Sep at 0509// The fact that you saw no typewriter covers is further PROOF that Burge had secretly stolen and hidden the typewriter covers! (Sarcasm) Absence of evidence is proof that it exists! ( sarcasm)
It's time to let Jon Burge rest in peace. So what if he and his Dets twisted a few arms to catch the psycho homicidal maniac Wilson Brothers and other killers, robbers, rapists, burglars and thieves ? He got the job done and to this day there is no solid evidence that he tortured anyone. There is, however, mounds of evidence that criminals lie, collude, and distort the truth when it comes to keeping out of prison. Todays Cops can only dream of being even half the cops that Burge was.
"There is a dark side to the history of typewriters".. possibly the best line ever from a Chicago "journalist".
I have never seen a cover either. And who knew that someone was being paid to fix them? I thought if a handy copper couldn't fix it then you were SOL looking for another one.
When I worked for the city a company had the contract to repair things like gas saws. You would pull a gas saw out of the district with a fresh new repair tag on it. Get all the way out to some emergency and poof, nothing but a sore arm from pulling the starter. After 2 times with the same saw and after the city paid $3000 to fix a $1500 saw I put it behind a truck and said "backer up!"
Only way to get to that newer saw that worked. Fix that mutherfucker.
one of my favorite moments and things about this job when I was hired and started the academy was being told typing reports and to-froms was optional. I couldn't believe the department was going to let me get away with hand writing reports as long as it was black ink.
I miss that. Computers generate MORE paper, not less. What a scam.
TO 5:09 by the time you got there they had used up all the typewriter covers which is why you never saw one.
(OT) retired Fairly recently, thought about moving out I know many people will criticize me for not moving already and that’s OK most of the young girls full of mush the skinny jean crowd the wrangler jacked up driving children will be the critical ones. We went to Saint johns Indiana a top place to move to look at new homes. Drinking the Kool-Aid the taxes would be cheaper and everything else would be cheaper and crime would be less, to our great surprise the homes are going for any new developments 55 and older around $400,000 taxes are 1 1/2% of that amount so if you do the math that is around $6000, plus there’s a $3000 wellness fee that’s required per year plus $150 a month homeowners fee that includes your lawn being cut your snow being shoveled. OK so far we thought not bad but pretty expensive we still have family in Chicago that we would like to visit in order to get here you have to drive around these roads that are complete darkness at night and as you get older say what you want but the city Chicago as well lit up as far as streetlights, you also have to travel to any grocery store the hospital is 30 minutes away in the hospital doesn’t even have really good ratings this becomes more important as we age.
Then we looked in the toilet says we’re looking at the house there’s some black material in there they said it’s due to The well water, the average water bill is about $100 a month up to $200 a month every month your trash bill every month is $55, your garbage cans have got to be kept inside your garage can you roll those out and garbage day, if you know anything about homebuilding as I do in my family does you can clearly see the homes are built like shit, the complaints on these homebuilders I thought the roof everything from flooding to the buildings actually falling apart. We went through three different developments looking at the homes are basically the same layout the cottage luck you start wondering even though the city has its problems a lot of major problems my neighborhood I live in Garfield ridge area I know people Chris criticize it a lot saint Garden Garfield ridge is Garcia Ridge yes there is a lot of Hispanic people moving in, however many people are moving in from different parts of the city in the suburbs, drive around or look at all the homes being totally renovated in new construction a lot of money is being spent here a lot of people are staying here it’s close to the expressway Close to the Airport, close to the trains in Summit Illinois we have a transportation everywhere goes to the grocery stores hospitals doctors which become more and more important as your age I guess writing this is definitely taught me that I’m staying here like many other retirees from Chicago police Department God bless the police department God bless the city of Chicago
Frank Main is coward... And when antifa and blm come to his house he will be calling for the Police....
Who’s using a typewriter?
60K a year?
Here’s an idea. Throw those things in the garbage, eliminate this dinosaur and buy an additional 120 new computers... every year.
Holy Fuck that is stupid.
Cordon and Search Holman Square for IBM Selectric Plastic Typewriter Covers. If any are found, process for prints
Seniors Blue Book (Fall Edition)
2nd Ad (after Walgreens):
Autumn Move In Specials
$500 off 1st 3 mos. rent (Oct., Nov., Dec.)
(Must move in by Sept. 30)
$2,500 Community Fee Waived
*This is a $4000 savings!
Frank is a hack....
Frank Main is a dumb puke liar
Responding to OT
I moved to St John IN last year. Lived in IL all my life. New House was $300k and we don’t have any issues at all with it. Well water is fine and we Also have a water softener. The town actually mixes in Lake Michigan water also. There are some terrible builders out here with poor construction methods. We did some checking and found a reputable one. We looked at the 55 and older community you described and stayed away. People are looking at models here constantly. Most are from IL I guess you are TOO LATE since many from IL already moved here. It’s great out here. Stay in the city then and good luck with cook county and all of the other issues....
Frank Main has been photographed in the same newsroom
with Mark Konkol. Pulitizer Prize Pukes the both of them.
The post about moving to Indiana or anywhere else is spot on. I want to leave city is 2 1/2 years but am unsure. I have relatives in Indiana and they explained that the sales tax rate depends on the cost of the item you buy when it comes to big ticket items. You pay a higher sales tax rate, or percentage, on Cadillac then a Kia. Higher Sales tax rate for a high end stainless steel refrigerator then a normal frig, etc. The sales tax isn’t set at a certain %. I know retired guys who moved to Orland Park, Tinley Park or farther southern suburbs and their real estate taxes are over double and sometimes triple what they were here. They also get monthly bills for garbage and water that shocked them when they moved there. There are also strict restrictions on watering your lawn in some suburbs in the summer I’ve learned. So research before you move I guess. I’m still probably going to move.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Who’s using a typewriter?
60K a year?
Here’s an idea. Throw those things in the garbage, eliminate this dinosaur and buy an additional 120 new computers... every year.
Holy Fuck that is stupid.
9/28/2020 03:44:00 PM
Did you go to a Catholic school ? The article said the city paid 60k. OVER a 13 year period. Not 60k a year. Lol !
Only applies to auto registrations plates. It’s called an excise tax. Yes the plates are more expensive than in IL. Everything else is taxed at one rate which Is lower than IL.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
The post about moving to Indiana or anywhere else is spot on. I want to leave city is 2 1/2 years but am unsure. I have relatives in Indiana and they explained that the sales tax rate depends on the cost of the item you buy when it comes to big ticket items. You pay a higher sales tax rate, or percentage, on Cadillac then a Kia. Higher Sales tax rate for a high end stainless steel refrigerator then a normal frig, etc. The sales tax isn’t set at a certain %. I know retired guys who moved to Orland Park, Tinley Park or farther southern suburbs and their real estate taxes are over double and sometimes triple what they were here. They also get monthly bills for garbage and water that shocked them when they moved there. There are also strict restrictions on watering your lawn in some suburbs in the summer I’ve learned. So research before you move I guess. I’m still probably going to move.
To the OT about Indiana I also looked at developments in st John look at public works Q&A so many rules, and in the development you have to keep your garbage cans inside garage, with the smell of the shot your throughout traveling throughout your home as your garage is attached, look also at the rules on throwing out leaves and 2X a year branch pickup. Taxes are 1.5% of purchase price, plus the newer the vehicle the higher the plate taxes. The water fees for smelly water is double ours, and trash pickup is more, plus mail delivery is not in the mailbox in home, you have to spend $800.00 for a metal “group,” mailbox walk about 1/2-1 block to retrieve mail.
Looked at hospitals and shopping both a distance away, must drive also darkness no streetlights, sucks as we get older and vision changes.
The construction on the homes is slap together who cares use cheapest materials, and they use glued together pressboard (wood scraps) which when gets wet and humidity swells and leaks profusely. The real estate agent said “ we are constantly raising the price as people are fleeing Illinois and will pay the higher prices!” Drove around the development few times and noticed “boys from the hood” moving in also more diversity (not racism realism). Then look at the 1 lane roads and giant development they will have to be widening soon, and the public schools are overcrowded more expansion, more police fire services ready for more jacked up taxes as your income gets more fixed? Oh and your pension is taxed immediately.
The old adage be careful what you wish for you just might get it!! Throughly research God bless the police amen!
Yep, lived in Chicago my whole life and one good thing to look forward to is no state income tax on your pension when you finally retire. One of the few states that doesn’t tax pensions. Property taxes for me are relatively low compared to suburban friends and relatives. Sister lives in Burns Harbor, Indiana with massive back yard and about a city lot between neighbors on both sides. You think it’s paradise when you’re there but there are none of the creature comforts we take for granted like good neighborhood restaurants, deli’s, real grocery stores, numerous dentist and doctor offices, multiple car dealers etc. Everything I want or need for whatever pops up in life is now only within a couples blocks to a couple miles away. My sister doesn’t really know her neighbors on either side or most of the people near her. That’s just odd to me because as a kid and even now, I know all my neighbors. Think I’ll stay and buy a small summer place in Michigan/Wisconsin or a winter condo in Florida.
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