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