Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jun 2003
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (WV)
Copyright: 2003 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/hdinfo/letters.html
Website: http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454
Author: Stephen Heath

N.Y. COPS' ACTIONS SHOULD DISGUST ALL

I am writing regarding the DeWayne Wickham column you published on June 8, 
"New York cops make mistake, and woman dies."

The drug-warring NYPD officers playing soldier who killed Alberta Spruill 
should disgust all right-thinking Americans. Were I to travel to New York 
City, enter the building where Spruill lived, kick her door in and frighten 
her sufficiently to lead to a fatal heart attack, I would be in jail on 
Rikers Island, awaiting trial on felony homicide charges with a likely 
final destination of death row.

In contrast, the police officers in question have simply been reassigned 
and "procedures are being reviewed."

My wife is a New York City native, and my opinion of the city and its 
residents is generally very above average. I was like many Americans who, 
following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, would have been proud to 
wear an NYPD ballcap.

Were I to own one today, I would burn it in shame.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens