Martin case highlights differing treatment of blacks, whites

Re: "For Trayvon, justice: For others, not so much," May 24

Gregory Kane's May 24 column is wonderfully written, but he forgot a few facts.

First, if the colors were reversed, and a black youth was killed in Baltimore by a white person and the charges against the suspect were dropped, would Kane be claiming that it was the "fruit of the poisonous tree?"

Second, the Florida cops in the Trayvon Martin case didn't follow the law. Their own standards of procedure says that both people involved in gunshot cases should be tested.

Third, can Kane name one case in which a black male said he shot someone in self-defense and the police told him, "Oh, OK, we believe you. You can go home."?

James Jones

Washington

Maryland delegate attacked for speaking the truth

Re: "Pat McDonough is right about Baltimore crime," May 21

Maryland Delegate Pat McDonough is a man of honor who takes his job as state lawmaker seriously, recognizes crises and offers viable solutions. But the Baltimore Sun has editorially vilified this man of character and principle for calling black mobs black. Words such as hate, racism, bigotry and bias have been used out of context so often that they no longer have any meaning.

Such an exercise inmalice -- which marginalizes and demonizes anyone who disagrees until no one is left who dares -- is bullying on steroids. "Political correctness" is not correct. It is a fraud used to silence people and force them to swallow any insult or abomination.

Youths who have been deprived of faith, discipline and a meaningful education live in a void not of their own making.Emboldened by the hands-off attitude of law enforcement, they riot because they can, and because no one stops them.This ispermissiveness on steroids.

How can any problem be solved without honest discussion? Until the growing monster of political correctness is slain, progress is impossible. Ignorance is currently in charge -- and it is not bliss.

Elizabeth Ward Nottrodt

Baltimore

Americans' duty is to remember fallen warriors

Memorial Day is the one day of the year we set aside to honor our men and women who died in military service, young and old, white and black, rich and poor.Although some were heroes, most were not.But many of us owe our very lives to them.

Helicopter pilot Major Michael Davis O'Donnell was killed in action in Vietnam while trying to extract a reconnaissance team. A few months before his death, he asked us all to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion:

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they left and what they have taught you with their dying ... and in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."

We can no longer help our fallen warriors, but we are obligated to remember them.

Bruce Hill

Herndon