To the Editor:
Re: Paul Schell's letter, Zeroing in on police misses disturbing aspects - 22 March, 2001
Yes, Mr. Mayor, I question police Fat Tuesday tactics. When a young man is
brutally murdered doing SPD's work for them (without the benefit of body
armor, weapons and backup) there's plenty to question. Sure, I blame Chief
Kerlikowske for not having the stones to tell you to stuff it when you
ordered him to hold off on doing his duty lest it "incite more violence"
and, to a lesser degree, I blame the officers who didn't tell Kerlikowske to
stuff it. But, mostly, I blame you. You are a pathetic excuse for a Mayor.
Now, to add insult to injury, you write this whining letter to the P-I.
"What was it that led our children to attack and hurt one another?" Our
children weren't attacking and hurting ONE ANOTHER! A marauding gang of
violent thugs was attacking and hurting innocent victims. In the most
despicable manner you attempt to blame the victims, then parents, guardians
and neighbors, then local business owners, then video games.
Only the perpetrators can be blamed for their crimes, but YOU are to blame
for not stopping it. You're behavior is the most disturbing aspect of the
Fat Tuesday violence. For once in your miserable tenure as Mayor of Seattle,
be a man and take the blame. God knows you deserve it.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Anderson Jr.