December 10, 2014

Dear Editor,

Bunny the newshound’s recent editorial regarding a lack of response to “black-on-black” crime was misdirected and a distraction from the true issue before us. Many African American and other leaders of color have been organizing vigils, community meetings, marches, and task forces addressing various forms of violence in communities; I have attended several within the Northeast over the last few years.

Further, Mr. Bushnell failed to acknowledge that black-on-black crime rates are closely comparable to white-on-white crime rates. The real issue is that African Americans are disproportionately detained, harassed, arrested, and they are 21 times more likely to be killed by police than whites. There is a long history of white-on-black violence in America partnered with a lack of accountability; it is completely understandable that African Americans and their allies of other racial and ethnic communities feel bewildered and angry.

Mainstream American institutions continue to perpetrate racial atrocities while denying their existence, minimizing their impact, and blaming their cause on those whose lives are negatively impacted. Unfortunately, the news hound joined the pack instead of sniffing out the real story.

Sincerely,

John Tramel

Concerned Northeast resident