Check out Joy-Ann Reid’s article on the Facebook posting of Miami-Dade fire captain Brian Beckmann. He goes on a a rant about the Trayvon Martin shooting and charges against shooter, George Zimmerman:

"The state seeks reelection again, truth aside. I and my coworkers could rewrite the book on whether our urban youths are victims of racist profiling or products of their failed, sh*tbag, ignorant, pathetic, welfare dependent excuses for parents, but like Mrs. Corey, we speak only the truth. They're just misunderstood little church going angels and the ghetto hoodie look doesn't have anything to do with why people wonder if they're about to get jacked by a thug."

Beckmann is entitled to his own opinion but based on the vitriol in his comments, one has to wonder how well he would serve the group of people he condemns. Also of more concern is his statement “I and my coworkers” which implies his position on blacks is shared by other firefighters.

The Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Department is right to investigate the Facebook posting but not to deny Beckmann his right to free speech as a private citizen. The Department is obligated to assure that blacks are not subjected to discriminatory employment practices, a hostile work environment and improper service by Beckmann and his peers. I do hope our County officials and civil rights organizations follow-up on this situation with all deliberate speed.