THE PUBLIC MIND: READER RESPONDS TO WILLIAMS' COLUMN ABOUT KING CASE

Dear Editor:

I am sending this letter in response of an article written by Mr. Walter Williams in the December 31, 1992 edition of the Southeast Missourian newspaper. The article, which referred to the acquittal of the police officers in the Rodney King case.

First of all, I did find the article to be very enlightening and informative. However, a question that is asked in the last paragraph disappoints me. To the question, "How many officers should be killed or injured in the cause of arresting a suspect," my answer is none.

But that sadly not being the case, an officer has the full right to protect his/herself first. Now, in the case of Rodney King, I sincerely feel that the officers present at the time of his arrest, even with a struggle could and should have cuffed both his hands and also legs. In doing this, Mr. King could not have been so much of a threat to warrant that degree of physical punishment/abuse.

Thank you

Jon E. Mosley

Cape Girardeau