Racial Slurs Crass but Not Criminal
In “Racial Slurs Uttered on Police Line” (Dec. 9), The Times focused on racial slurs uttered over the police radio frequencies during a manhunt for two bank robbers in Huntington Beach, ignoring the real story.
The only real crime here was committed by the fugitives. They are the ones who exhibited contempt for the rule of law by committing an armed robbery.
They are the ones who have no respect for the lives of others, as evidenced by brandishing handguns. They have no respect for the well-being of others, as proven by hitting a woman over the head with the butt of a gun. They are the ones who have no respect for the property of others, as demonstrated by trying to steal it.
Yes, the slurs were impolite and regrettable. But the robbers committed an act of evil.
In contrast, whoever made the remarks committed an act of poor taste. There’s a difference, and the reportage should reflect that.
The article leaves the impression that offending our sensibilities is a worse offense against society than is committing an armed robbery.
BRUCE CRAWFORD
Fountain Valley
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