We were asked what we wanted black boys to do. For their society, they should consider not running from the police. We all suffer from the aftermath of shootings — endless news coverage; promises by district attorneys of convictions; protests of acquittals, shutting down roads; and promises to teach children to not be afraid of the police — only to repeat.
I think when I give my opinion, it never reaches the people it’s intended for. The role models these kids have growing up are all but ruining them before they even have a chance. Someone needs to change that.
I think we can mostly say the perception of this story hasn’t changed by reading police blotters and watching the news on who got arrested and for what crimes. Us regular people and juries see this.
I’m hoping that one day they will decide that the way some of them are living just isn’t worth it. There is no such thing as being cool in jail.
Russell C. Fenton
Fairfield