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NORWOOD —
I am shocked over the recommendation your editorial (“Behind the Gates arrest,” July 23) to show “inordinate deference” to a police officer. Most people are unknowingly taught that obeying a police officer’s orders is respectful and any doubting questions or comments aimed towards a police officer are disrespectful.
This is where we have gone wrong. Police officers work for us, the citizens. Their job is to protect and serve us. This event happened in Gates’s home, which is supposed to be the most secure place that is free from unwarranted police entrance. We should all be worried that the police have arrested a man who had trouble getting into his own house, regardless of his race. Gates did the right thing by standing up for his rights and requesting the officer’s badge number.
Police service today has turned into law enforcement in every sense of the phrase. Most people’s hearts start to race if a police officer is following in the car behind them. Police operate on the basis of fear and this is the sole reason why we are always told to submit to their authority.
We are often asked, “What are you afraid of if you have nothing to hide?” This is the question that makes most people give up what little they have. The fact is I have nothing to hide. My question to you is what gives you the right to put me on the spot and try to make me confess, through intimidation, whatever it may be?
JEFF POWERS
Norwood
I am shocked over the recommendation your editorial (“Behind the Gates arrest,” July 23) to show “inordinate deference” to a police officer. Most people are unknowingly taught that obeying a police officer’s orders is respectful and any doubting questions or comments aimed towards a police officer are disrespectful.
This is where we have gone wrong. Police officers work for us, the citizens. Their job is to protect and serve us. This event happened in Gates’s home, which is supposed to be the most secure place that is free from unwarranted police entrance. We should all be worried that the police have arrested a man who had trouble getting into his own house, regardless of his race. Gates did the right thing by standing up for his rights and requesting the officer’s badge number.
Police service today has turned into law enforcement in every sense of the phrase. Most people’s hearts start to race if a police officer is following in the car behind them. Police operate on the basis of fear and this is the sole reason why we are always told to submit to their authority.
We are often asked, “What are you afraid of if you have nothing to hide?” This is the question that makes most people give up what little they have. The fact is I have nothing to hide. My question to you is what gives you the right to put me on the spot and try to make me confess, through intimidation, whatever it may be?
JEFF POWERS
Norwood
