I have been pondering whether to write about the Chad Holley video for some time now. Since my inbox has been filled with folks claiming outrage and Members of Congress have called for a federal investigation, it seems appropriate to discuss.

For months I had heard about this video. It was believed that were it to be released, it would plague Houston’s image nationally. A contact who had viewed the video told me it was one of the worst police brutality events he had ever seen.

When I came home late one evening, my spouse informed me that Channel 13 had run the video. He told me I needed to watch it. I said I didn’t think I wanted to see it. He insisted as he knew it would be the topic of the next day in all of my circles.

As I watched the video, I grew nauseous. The thing that struck me most was that the young man, who has now been convicted of burglary, appeared to place his hands behind his head in preparation for arrest. Then, the punching and kicking begins.

The video was sourced from a storage facility’s security camera. The storage facility took immediate action upon viewing it the next day and submitted it to proper authorities. If it were not for this video, the behavior of these police officers would go unreported.

So many times, we hear of a person arrested or accused of a crime telling of abuse at the hands of their captors. Mostly, we do not believe them. Chad Holley did go to the hospital but did not initially issue a public outcry about his treatment. Would we have believed him if he had?

The video provides undeniable proof of questionable behavior.

What has surprised me most is the lack of reaction from Houstonians and the lack of attention from national media. Either we have become completely immune to this type of event or the weather truly is the most important thing in our lives. For the video was released when it was turning cold in Houston, Texas and even sweeping the nation. Also, Egypt was dominating the news.

Could it be that Houston has escaped an intense national story due to the timing of the release of the video?

Local African-American leaders have almost all issued statements condemning the event. Yet there have been no press conferences or marches in the street. Prayers and support for the family have been more the call of the day.

In fairness, the Houston Mayor and the Police Chief took immediate action upon learning of the existence of the video. The Police Officers involved were terminated and will soon face trial. The courts now need to allow the process to work.

Personally, I’m still surprised at the lack of outrage or even discussion. What do you think?