For those of you who weren't paying attention, Oscar Diallo was recently shot multiple times by New York City cops and killed. Mr. Diallo was in his home and supposedly not committing any crimes, certainly not enough to merit his being gunned down. There is outrage among citizens. Mayor Guliani was mercilessly booed when he appeared at the man's funeral. Minority officials are calling for the heads of all those involved. Now that you're caught up on the facts, here's my take...
I find it surprising that Jesse Jackson, among others, is calling for the four officers
who participated in the Diallo incident to be suspended. While Mr. Jackson is a fine
orator and campaigner, he obviously cannot see the big picture in this case. It is
adamant that these officers continue in their present duties.
First of all, these men have not yet been charged, or even formally accused, of a specific
crime. There is merely an open investigation that has not yet reached it's
conclusion. And to punish without first finding guilt is a little like censure:
unconstitutional.
Secondly, shouldn't these officers be allowed to get back to doing the people's business
to which they were duly appointed? Why focus on the past when there are so many
issues that need the attention of these officers? After all, these policemen were
only doing what they thought was best for the country. These men had no idea that
their actions would be investigated by an over-zealous prosecutor who participates in the
politics of personal destruction.
It is time to quit prying into people's personal lives. The shooting occurred at Mr.
Diallo's house, a private residence. Therefore, it's nobody's business but theirs.
Stop trying to overturn a popular appointment (of the officers) and let's move
on. We need to close this investigation, since the current evidence does not warrant
removal. Listen to the will of the people!