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LETTER OF THE DAY - At what point do we become outraged?
LETTER OF THE DAY - At what point do we become outraged?
Published: Thursday | September 6, 2012 Comments 0
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM trying to write this letter with the utmost logic, controlled emotion/dispassion, as I possibly can. But how do you do that when the headline reads: PREGNANT WOMAN SHOT IN HER FACE. So at what point do Jamaicans become outraged at this and other absolutely heinous crimes? Even more frightening, the crime was committed by a member of the police force, the same person who I'm sure took an oath to serve and protect the citizens of the land.
It is alleged that the 27-year-old, eight-month pregnant woman 'resisted arrest'. So what does that actually mean? Was she kicking and screaming? Did she swear? Did she spit on the police? Did she pull a weapon that threatened life? Did she attack the said police officer? How much 'resisting' could she have done to warrant two bullets to her face and head, taking her life and that of her unborn child? It matters not that she may have been doing any of those 'resisting arrest' acts. Shame on the police, shame on the citizens who are not yet outraged, and shame on our leaders all, Government and private sector, who have not 'come out against this' with strong voices and more voices. At what point will they be outraged?
We have not heard from the prime minister, the minister of national security, minister in charge of women's affairs, minister in charge of children, or any such official. Well, I am totally outraged and sad. Jamaicans have long endured almost 50 years of crime (and outrageous crime) as part of our culture. How much more are we to endure before we become really outraged and stand up? I have been part of a group that is trying to encourage Jamaicans to 'come home'. Really?
What do I say when they ask about pregnant women being shot? What do I say when they ask about security and the police? What do I say when the news has gone viral and is now in major news outlets worldwide? Shame on Jamaicans for not being more outraged at the killing of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. It was two lives, not one, that the police took that day. I say, "Let us see his face".
Donette Chin-Loy
donut_cl@hotmail.com
Published: Thursday | September 6, 2012 Comments 0
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM trying to write this letter with the utmost logic, controlled emotion/dispassion, as I possibly can. But how do you do that when the headline reads: PREGNANT WOMAN SHOT IN HER FACE. So at what point do Jamaicans become outraged at this and other absolutely heinous crimes? Even more frightening, the crime was committed by a member of the police force, the same person who I'm sure took an oath to serve and protect the citizens of the land.
It is alleged that the 27-year-old, eight-month pregnant woman 'resisted arrest'. So what does that actually mean? Was she kicking and screaming? Did she swear? Did she spit on the police? Did she pull a weapon that threatened life? Did she attack the said police officer? How much 'resisting' could she have done to warrant two bullets to her face and head, taking her life and that of her unborn child? It matters not that she may have been doing any of those 'resisting arrest' acts. Shame on the police, shame on the citizens who are not yet outraged, and shame on our leaders all, Government and private sector, who have not 'come out against this' with strong voices and more voices. At what point will they be outraged?
We have not heard from the prime minister, the minister of national security, minister in charge of women's affairs, minister in charge of children, or any such official. Well, I am totally outraged and sad. Jamaicans have long endured almost 50 years of crime (and outrageous crime) as part of our culture. How much more are we to endure before we become really outraged and stand up? I have been part of a group that is trying to encourage Jamaicans to 'come home'. Really?
What do I say when they ask about pregnant women being shot? What do I say when they ask about security and the police? What do I say when the news has gone viral and is now in major news outlets worldwide? Shame on Jamaicans for not being more outraged at the killing of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. It was two lives, not one, that the police took that day. I say, "Let us see his face".
Donette Chin-Loy
donut_cl@hotmail.com