SHOOTING WAS UNJUSTIFIED, NO MATTER WHAT

I was appalled by the letter "Obey the Law" on the shooting of Mr.
Kenneth Walker.

I am very disappointed in the judgment that the editor made to print
that letter. I'm certain that Columbusites of all different races are
upset about the Kenneth Walker incident, but for you all to print that
opinion is just a clear example of journalists exploiting the already
divisive topic even more.

If Mr. Walker had 100 kilos of cocaine in his possession, that still
wouldn't give the officer the right to do what he did. And I'm certain
that this is a horrible and tragic mistake, but whether this officer
is cleared of all charges or sentenced to 100 years hard labor it will
never bring back Mr. Walker.

Just as it probably will never change the belief that Mr. Walker's
"accidental" execution was justified. I will say this in her defense:
Just as there are trigger-happy white officers in Columbus, there are
also trigger-happy black officers in Atlanta. But could you imagine
the outcry if a white male was executed on the side of the road
because a "CI" (confidential informant) gave the black officer a tip?
That officer would be looking at life imprisonment at the very least.

So in closing I'm saying to the editor, have some empathy toward the
feelings of the various communities that read your paper. And when
someone sends the paper a one-sided, bigoted opinion, it isn't the
paper's obligation to print it. Because I'm almost certain that letter
doesn't represent the majority of Columbus.

Clyde McBride

Columbus