Letters to the editor

Law and order

Seattle acted wisely in naming Kerlikowske chief

Editor, The Times:

I read with great interest the story outlining the first year in office of Gil Kerlikowske, who serves as your chief of police ("Blue Grit: After rough first year, Police Chief Kerlikowske is still standing," Times, Aug. 12).

While the demographics and challenges are quite different between our two cities, one fact remains constant: Chief Kerlikowske has not changed since he served as our chief of police in the late 1980s.

When Chief Kerlikowske joined our department, we were in dire need of leadership and guidance. He provided both, making us into one of the leading law-enforcement agencies in the state of Florida. Chief Kerlikowske never ran from what he believed in and always took responsibility and always cared about the members of his agency. In time, the citizens of Seattle will find they have made a wise choice in selecting this individual to serve as their chief of police.

The sad note is that over the past 10 years, chiefs of police across the nation have been the "whipping post" of political groups, or individuals, who are not pleased with a specific situation. The easy way out is to attack, or replace, the chief of police. Perhaps that is why the story pointed out so well that no one within the department applied for the position when it became available. This is a tough career choice, one that will make you age quickly.

I would like to take this opportunity to affirm that you have an excellent police chief in Gil Kerlikowske. The citizens of Seattle would be wise to ensure that he remains. I can assure you, in the long run, you will reap the benefits.

Charles F. Johnson, police information officer, City of Port St. Lucie Police Department, Fla.

Civility outlaws

As a resident, worker and business owner in Pioneer Square, I am in a position to observe frequent incidents of "uncivil behavior." I am witness to very occasional aggressive panhandling, drug dealing, public drunkenness, littering and, rarely, some form of intimidation by apparently homeless persons. However, if we accept the definition of uncivil as "not conducive to civic harmony and welfare," the behavior of non-homeless persons in Pioneer Square is far more egregious.

On any given Friday or Saturday night, partying suburbanites display far more aggressive and intimidating behavior fueled by alcohol and club drugs than any self-respecting public inebriate would ever dream of committing. Most of the violent incidents this year involving a firearm have come from this group. And let's not forget Mardi Gras.

Every morning and every evening, I am happily greeted by Mike, my local Real Change seller. Contrast this with nearly being run over in the crosswalk on Yesler every morning and every evening by aggressive drivers.

Most "uncivil" of all is our habit of scapegoating the most vulnerable among us, blaming them for the results of our greed, shortsightedness and intolerance. Human-service providers do a lot to improve the civility of their homeless clients; now if we could just find a way to civilize people with homes.

Marc Potter, Seattle

Grass vs. grog

I attended Hempfest in Myrtle Edwards Park last weekend, and really enjoyed myself. I couldn't help but note that no one was murdered, raped or beaten, nor were any businesses destroyed. Despite the fact that a large amount of people at the event were under the influence of an illegal substance.

Compare that to the behavior of alcohol-saturated revelers at Mardi Gras in Pioneer Square, an event with only a small fraction of participants of Hempfest.

How many times do we have to witness the brutality of a drunken mob, before we admit to the hypocrisy of imprisoning nonviolent citizens who enjoy marijuana?

Thomas Kinnebrew, Everett

Cool cops

Considering that the gathering addressed the controversial issue of marijuana and hemp crop policy reform, I observed a smooth operation and genuine spirit of cooperation between the event planners and our Seattle Police Department. The men and women of the SPD who staffed the event should be commended for keeping their cool and managing the crowd in a civil, efficient and respectful manner.

The successful management of large public gatherings by our police department too often goes unrecognized, perhaps because people more often speak up when things go wrong. In this case, I appreciate that things went right.

Nick Licata, City Council member, Seattle

Aids in africa

To save a life

We appreciate the recent coverage of the global AIDS crisis ("AIDS: a battle not yet won," Times, Aug. 14). We are, however, disappointed that the only mention of treatment was the pope's statement criticizing pharmaceutical companies. In general, arguments against the difficulty of providing treatment to Africa, the site of 80 percent of AIDS cases, are largely unfounded and treatment has in fact allowed prevention efforts to take off.

In June, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan asked the U.S. and other high-income countries to contribute to a global fund for AIDS for prevention and treatment. The U.S. has offered $300 million to the fund when $2 billion has been requested. If your neighbor asked you for $2 to save her life, would you give her just 3 pennies? In today's real-life scenario, the U.S. is sitting idly by as a continent is rapidly being wiped out.

In response to this lack of action, a group of leaders from the university, faith and African communities in the Seattle area came together two weeks ago to form the Northwest Coalition for AIDS Treatment in Africa. We are asking that our Congressional delegation act with compassion, demonstrate leadership and contribute in a meaningful way to the future of Africa.

Meredith Fort, Northwest Coalition Dr. Steve Gloyd, International Health Program, University of Washington, Seattle

Fun and refund

Euro cash

David Groves' letter about the reckless dangers of turning Social Security into a giant play pool for investors is dead on ("Sound the Social Security alarm," Aug. 20). I hope more Americans like Groves wake up to the sham being dropped on us from on high by greedy pols who excel at squandering other people's hard-earned money.

As for my $600 tax refund check, I plan to jumpstart the economy by spending it in Europe this fall.

Jack Hyder, Shoreline