Guilty educators chose their fates
The convicted educators, who were given multiple opportunities to plea bargain down to minor punishments, are now being treated by their champions as if they themselves were the victims. Due to their refusals to admit complicity in the cheating scam, and after explicit warnings by the judge, they are now subject to serious reprisals.
While the prison sentences handed down seem harsh, these educational leaders and their attorneys were repeatedly warned about this possible outcome. It seems they truly believed the jury would not have the courage or wisdom to follow the credible testimony that was delivered against them as proof of culpability. They gambled and lost. There should be a price to pay for their hubris, albeit a heavy one. They chose this path.
JOAN PIEDMONTE, MILTON
Did some egg on Baltimore rioters?
Congressman Hank Johnson takes to the floor of the House and states, “It feels like open season on black men in America, and I am outraged.” One day prior to the riot in Baltimore, a gentleman with the title of pastor says, “Somebody is going to have to pay.” Did Johnson not realize that his unfortunate statement could be and, perhaps, was used by some to incite others to riot? Were the pastor’s words a call for a riot? Shouldn’t Johnson have used his time on the House floor to suggest changes that would help prevent any detainee, of any race, from being killed, by any policeman of any race? Should not the pastor have better chosen his words, to have called for a peaceful demonstration as Freddie Gray’s relatives had asked, instead of words that could be taken as a call to riot?
BILL SMITH, STOCKBRIDGE
Discourage rioting, use tougher tactics
Why can’t local police forces, National Guard units and other protective public defense units be allowed to use tougher force against thugs and other criminals during riots and other war-like activities? Rubber bullets were used by police in Northern Ireland during the 1970s. Water cannons, high pressure hoses, tear gas and other such non-lethal devices should also be considered for use by police. Violent protesters, looters and other agitators should feel the pain of buckshot in their britches when they try to tear down and destroy the things that honest, tax-paying citizens work so hard to build.
CHARLES TATTER, MARIETTA
