Judge’s Ruling on Chief Gates
I read with great surprise Stacey Koon’s twisted logic in his assessment of why Daryl Gates must resign (“It’s Time for Gates to Step Down,” Commentary, May 12). Koon makes no reference to the violation of Rodney King’s civil rights or the violent and unnecessary beating he received. Koon was the officer on the scene who had direct responsibility for this crime, not Gates.
I believe that Gates should be removed but not for confusing himself with the police department. Gates has fostered an attitude that the LAPD is a white man’s police force whose responsibility is to suppress the minority communities of Los Angeles. Gates should be removed because an entire precinct knew that the beating took place and that false reports were being filed and not a single officer spoke up at this injustice.
Under Daryl Gates the LAPD has become a racist elitist force that does not understand that it must lead the community to justice and not suppress it.
HARRY ZELIG, Toluca Lake
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