Controversy Over Taped Police ‘Sting’

The fact that the police stopped and physically and verbally abused two black men or any other “recognizable” minority is nothing new in our society. It’s rather a way of life for minorities.

Ever since I was a young fellow (I am now 50), I tend to cringe when I see a police car, although I have done nothing wrong and should have nothing to fear, because of similar experiences.

You almost know what kind of police officer you are dealing with when you are stopped for nothing. For example, recently I traversed the Glendale area at night, and on three occasions I was noticeably followed by a police car, for whatever reason (I can only assume the obvious since I drive an ordinary car, I am clean-cut in appearance, and I broke no laws). These were apparently good cops, since none of them stopped me to impose additional harassment; however, the mere fact that I represented the minority was cause enough for them to pursue and peruse.

Even though the city of Long Beach is attempting to distort the facts (as seen and heard by the nation), in an effort to “whitewash” such an “unheard of” incident in their beloved city, I am glad that it was shown. It may make a few people who care realize that this type of incident is readily probable.

For the record, I do not have a police record, have never been arrested, and have had two moving violation tickets in the 35 years I have been driving, and fought one of those in court.

AL TURNER

Los Angeles