CHILD TRAFFICKING
Don’t call an underage sex victim a ‘prostitute’
I was dismayed, discouraged and disgusted to read the first sentence in the article “Crackdown on child sex trafficking nets arrests” (Metro, July 30), which reads, “Two underage girls suspected of being prostitutes. …”
I have been working in the field of child sex trafficking prevention for almost 15 years, and I thought that the media was now better informed than to be labeling underage child victims as “prostitutes.” There is no way that a child, forced onto the streets to provide profit for one set of adults and sexual pleasure for another set of adults, should be labeled as a criminal.
The AJC should edit their articles better, so that the most vulnerable of our community are seen as the victims that they are — and not just fodder for a good story.
KAFFIE MCCULLOUGH, ATLANTA
ZIMMERMAN TRIAL
Hate-mongering won’t end racial divisiveness
African-Americans in our culture have been let down by government at all levels for so long that it is a travesty and a disgrace. Race-baiting and hate-mongering after high-profile trials such as the Zimmerman case are not going to fix that.
Will this nation ever do what it takes so that no minority is ever left out or exploited by corrupt politicians? Will the media address the real problems and help with the solutions, rather than enable a government that is about divisiveness? Not until all of us demand that of them.
CHARLES MICHAEL SITERO, PALM COAST, FLA.
Trial’s over, now let’s dump our prejudices
No tragedy would have happened if George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin — or both parties — had used their better judgment. The court of public opinion demanded this tragedy be resolved in a court of law. Criminal law is not based on public opinion. A guilty verdict is based on evidence that must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and jury members cannot substitute their suspicions or prejudices for a lack of evidence.
The Zimmerman trial is over but still exists in the court of public opinion. Will that court apply its better judgment, or its prejudices? Our prejudices are constantly re-enforced by the bad behavior we observe, or perceive, in others. This trial proved what can happen when we prejudge others.
TONY GARDNER, CUMMING
ETHICS
Only most ‘ambitious’ politicians get caught
Burrell Ellis probably rationalized his alleged shakedowns with the “everyone does it” defense (“Vendors: CEO calls jarring,” News, July 21). Politicians often retain power because they’re so good at playing that game. It’s only the most “ambitious” who we end up reading about — which reminds me of the lobbyists who have supported legislative ethics reform. Why would they do that? Could be they’re looking for relief from the ongoing financial squeeze, and the strong-arming by the leaders and committee chairs of whichever party is in power.
I wonder if that pay-to-play scheme affects our state legislators’ official decisions — on almost every issue?
TOM TORTORICI, ATLANTA
