I grew up just west of Philly. We are of German immigrant stock but my father had lots of Italian friends (some connected)and employed a bunch of them in his factory. I forget what year it was but there were black riots in the cities and the closest had just occurred in Newark and Philly was reported to be next in line. Rizzo was Chief of Police and addressed his cops with instructions that went something like “When you see a rioter holding a Molotov cocktail, draw your weapon. When you see him light it, cock your weapon. When you see him lifting his arm to throw it, shoot him.” As I recall, that word got out on the street and there wasn’t much action.
The private carting companies with the Italian names on the side of them were the only ones who collected garbage in Newark during the riots. They were all operated by armed men, and I don’t think any of them had any trouble at all.
If I remember correctly Rizzo was PC when a Black Mayor ordered tear gas be shot into a building occupied by some Black group whose last name was X or something like that.
Anyway, they had gasoline or gun powder or ammo that was in the house, it caught fire and caused IMMEDIATE urban renewal for about 10 square blocks.
Rizzo was very happy the Black Mayor took charge of the scene.
Frank Rizzo did what government is supposed to do: save lives and protect property.
He probably meant it and apparently it was taken seriously. That the way it should be - today, it’s look the other way as looters burn down the cities....