LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continue the Diallo Protests

It matters not what color, creed, religion, or national origin to which the citizens of New York, the USA, or the world belong, the killing of Amadou Diallo by NYC police officers should pierce the hearts and consciences of all people, especially mothers.

If anyone has a son, brother, nephew, friend, acquaintance, could one not imagine the pain that such an action by police generated? Can everyone not feel the helplessness, anger, and utter despair of the parents of Amadou Diallo?

We as responsible human beings need to continue the protests so that the voices fill the air all the way to the White House, the House, the Senate, and the United Nations. We have not moved beyond the 1950s or 1960s. We as responsible human beings and political leaders must address the training of the members of the police department.

At the very least, an Associate Degree should be required for acceptance. Each incoming member of the police department should be required to undergo psychological evaluation by a team of psychologists or psychiatrists.
America has earned the reputation of being the most powerful nation on the planet. America rejoices that the Soviet Union has been dismantled, criticizes human rights violations in China, and rushes to end the atrocities in Bosnia, Kosovo, and other areas of the world. America bombs Iraq because it objects to its government’s actions.

America intervenes in so many more areas of the world where our government perceives inhumane treatment occurring. But what country can object to America because all over our land Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, and gays are killed and jailed without the benefit of fair and conscientious legal representation?

Let us stand up for justice, fairness, and an end to discrimination to non-Caucasians in America. Let us continue to remind white America that Africans, Native Americans, and other people of color built this country. Let us re-write history to acknowledge the contributions of all people to the making of America.

Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and others who have been denied free access to jobs, housing, education, and freedom to travel without fear in the US should be enraged. Let all the voices ring like a mighty thunder through the land and the world.

—Edith Williams
Yonkers, NY