Pubdate: Sat, 17 Jan 2004
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2004 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Author: Jackie Williams

'MISSING THE POINT'

I agree with many of the readers who said African Americans must do
more to stop the illegal use and trafficking of drugs in our
communities, but I think they are missing the point of the protests.
More crimes are committed by whites than African Americans in
Kentucky, yet it is African Americans who are frequently killed by the
police. I understand the officers' right to protect themselves and the
community, but why is it that only African-American men are shot in
the back or shot while in handcuffs? I think, at a minimum, it shows
that our police officers lack sensitivity when dealing with
African-American people and, at worst, shows that some of them are
biased.

People aren't protesting in opposition of the law, but in an attempt
to have a fair application of the law. According to the U.S.
Constitution, those accused of committing a crime are guaranteed a
trial by jury. Unfortunately, many African Americans accused of
committing a crime in this community don't live long enough to make it
to trial.

Jackie Williams

Louisville
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