Pubdate: Tue, 26 Apr 2005
Source: Rockford Register Star (IL)
Copyright: 2005 Rockford Register Star
Contact: http://www.rrstar.com/ezaccess/contactus/lettertotheeditor.shtml
Website: http://www.rrstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/370
Author: James C. Spelman

THEY'RE NOT 'COCKROACHES'

The language in your "Signs of new life on Seventh Street" editorial (April 
16) is appalling! Since when in this country are people "cockroaches"? 
That's what the Rwandan Hutus called the Tutsis as they slashed a million 
of them to bloody bits.

When Bill Mohr called the neighborhood prostitutes (a word that applies to 
every human being at one time or another. I prefer the term "sex workers"), 
druggies and other criminals (whatever and whomever they may be) 
"cockroaches," that's his ignorant opinion.

What kind of journalistic ethic gives you the right to echo such a 
sentiment? I can only assume your iteration of Mohr's comments reflects 
your editorial beliefs.

That kind of thinking and attitude keeps racism, hatred and other forms of 
prejudice alive and well!

James C. Spelman

Rockford
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