‘Strong-arm’ policing no answer to the challenges in Dunbar
To the editor:
This is a bad time for Dunbar. I have heard much about the police task force to find a solution to violence in minority communities. It’s seems the issue centers on Dunbar. This, I do not feel, is concise.
The people of Dunbar have been oppressed enough. When will we address their needs ? When will we concentrate on removing the circumstances which allow the critical criminal elements to operate in minority areas? Some straightforward things like reducing vagrants and working to restore voting rights for minor felons so that they can returning to work would certainly help. There was a presentation scheduled at Florida Gulf Coast University on Oct. 13 on restoration of voting rights to make that information available to all.
I do not feel that a sheriff’s substation in Dunbar is a solution. At least once a week I am at the corner of Fowler and MLK. During a one hour period there are more than five sheriff cars passing the corner. In addition, the Lee County Public Justice Center is less than five minutes away from Dunbar. Why not add something that is not so invasive, for example cameras and friendly community policing? Avoid strong-arm policing.
I am sad to hear of the community’s decision during the last election to vote for someone who seems to enjoy oppressing minorities. This is another indication that the community has lost hope.
Then I read the newspaper and all Republican leaders mention who supports actions and there were no Democrats at all. How can minorities have any hope when they have no voice and no power? Where have these leaders been? They have been there all the time, knew of the problem,and did nothing. Nothing has been done in the past; that is why the problem exists today.
Lewis Robinson
Fort Myers