Letter to San Diego Union-Tribune

by biodev2001 Friday, Jul. 06, 2001 at 3:32 PM
biojustice2001@riseup.net

"San Diego Police hit a home run..." This is a letter I sent in response. Stephanie

Letter to San Diego ...
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Dear Editor-

You must be kidding about the police hitting a home run. I am a 41 year old mother and my daughter and I participated in the march of 1500 concerned citizens about the effects of the biotech industry on our health and environment. Contrary to the popular myth that the police role is to ensure our right to free speech, I found their job to be invasive, intimidating and insulting. What a rude attitude the police had. I heard them disparage activists by saying how ugly we all are and other sophomoric attitudes and

behaviors. I have read the police misconduct report filed by my 50 year old friend who was verbally and physically assaulted by 4 police officers. I also was disgusted to see probably as many cops as protesters at most of our

events. When pushing my daughter in her stroller I looked up and saw armed officers with their guns pointing down on us as we walked by! I have photos if you wish to see them. How dare they be so hostile and provocative! If anyone was in danger in San Diego it was the activists and any unwitting passer by to which the military personnel mistakenly arrested for wearing black could attest. Since when did it become against the law to wear black?

Why is the US populace so willing to turn over their rights to an ever increasing police state? If the police were preparing since last November then their intelligence was pathetic. There were about the same numbers in Boston at the same event last year. Why after months of planning and

millions of dollars were they so uninformed about a crowd of freedom loving, patriotic, non-violent activists? Great use of tax dollars folks!

Stephanie Jennings

San Diego, CA

619-237-8870

Original: Letter to San Diego Union-Tribune