On Mon, 23 Jun 1997, Greg Meyer wrote:
> I'm encouraged by the discussion and questioning with regard to the
> "Kitterman Case" and the "Senior Kegger". Soon after the violent incident
> involving Matt Kitterman took place I brought up the idea of a
> review/discussion of law enforcement methods and priorities. At that time
> there was no response to my suggestion. Now there seems to be more interest
> in matters like selective enforcement (i.e. "Senior Kegger")and sorting out
> perceptions and technicalities when it comes to violent exchanges.
>
> I continue to feel that a general, ongoing dialogue about the subject of law
> enforcement is appropriate and healthy. The "Senior Kegger" matter is a
> good example.
>
> Without knowing the details of this particular incident, my general
> observation is that, while alcohol is in fact a powerful drug and while auto
> accidents involving it are the leading cause of death for young adults in
> the U.S., and while the vast majority of "drug-related violence" in the U.S.
> is in fact violence perpetrated by individuals under the influence of the
> drug alcohol, it's abuse/illegal use is still not given the attention one
> would think it deserves. Statistically it is a devestating drug menace yet
> the media, government officials and the public at large insists on keeping
> it in it's own category. Thus we hear the often used phrase "alcohol and
> drugs" rather than more appropriate, more honest and more educational
> phrases (especially for young people) like "alcohol and other drugs" or just
> "drugs" (which should include alcohol).
>
> And what network sitcom on television doesn't include a bar scene or two
> every episode, often including jokes about excessive consumption of alcohol?
> Yet the same network will have opened their evening newscast with some
> dramatic story about another "drug" bust or a disturbing trend in "drug" use
> among teenagers, never including the drug alcohol in their report. (Musn't
> offend advertisors...) There is very little logic or rationalism at work here.
>
> If you add to that the fact that a theoretical party involving minors
> consuming alcohol might be broken up without any arrests being made while at
> the same time a theoretical car is pulled over for a turn signal violation,
> the odor of marijuana is detected and suddenly 3-4 law enforcement vehicles
> respond because you have a "drug" stop, resulting in someone being taken to
> jail for a minor possession charge, then I believe we have a law enforcement
> pattern that is worthy of review.
>
> Obviously these matters are not just of local concern. All the more reason
> to be on the leading edge of examining how the justice system works and how
> it affects all our lives.
>
> One side note. I am concerned with Timothy Hillebrand's tone and usage of
> words like "hood" and "gangstas" when referring to the two African-American
> men involved in the "Kitterman Case". Even if Mr. Hillebrand knows more
> about the case than I (like who the men were, where they are from, etc.),
> the nature of his "resentment" is a bit disturbing.
>
>
>
> Greg Meyer
> Moscow
>
>