Editorial on black elders’ perspectives missed mark

The Aug. 7 “Our View” editorial, “The punishment didn't fit the crime,” missed the concept of police duties. The officer who apprehended two thieves didn't seek to punish them; he was seeking to arrest them.

Police don't punish: They are sworn to uphold and enforce the law. It is ignorant to suggest otherwise, especially prior to the shooting inquiry completion. Private citizens may walk away from a crime scene but the police cannot. The men assaulted a store employee, and assaulted the same police officer who shot them. You describe them as “young black skateboarders.”

They were thieves, but for the sake of the author’s social agenda hobbies were listed. The author did not state how they – had they been the officer at the scene – would have apprehended the thieves in such and such a peaceful manner. The editorial piece continues with a discussion of racism thereby framing the officer's shooting as extrajudicial punishment.

The author makes statements about the “complacency of our mostly white community…” The author should examine the tremendous number of volunteers serving the less fortunate in our community before declaring us complacent.

To the author: Try teaching in a public school before declaring complacency. If the author wishes to discuss improved race relations, it should not be done by hijacking a controversial event and twisting it to the author's social agenda.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Editorial on black elders’ perspectives missed mark."