LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To our Editor, Brothers, and Sistas,
I find it hard to believe that a fine University such as ours has an absolutely GARBAGE police department…What is most upsetting is the fact that, it could get better. But in the infamous Southern tradition (as we all know) it just gets shot to HELL every semester!
Recently, to my dismay, my car was the victim of the recent “waves” of auto theft in which all of my music system and FOUR windows were smashed and/or stolen. My initial question was “Does it really take four windows?”…then when I realized that my car was the thirteenth car in a row to be “hit,” I was disgusted! Twelve other cars, all smashed, lined up in the SAME LOT said enough about the thief, but what about the POLICE?
I did not have a problem with this until I found out that Southern University, SUPD, and even A***te Insurance (full coverage) will not cover any type of musical or video equipment!…”just the glass and the auto itself” the claim adjuster said, which left me out of almost 800 dollars!
Depressing, huh?
Now the question was…”How in the world would such a situation happen in a “police checkpoint” community? Fat, overweight, sloppy, sleeping, ill-mannered officers that harass students that cause no trouble, that’s how!
It is evident that this situation should change…and not just by extra rounds in the squad car or even more officers sleeping at the checkpoint!
So I urge our fellow officers put down the tickets, stop the movie watching and sleeping at the checkpoint, stop the harassment at boring concerts, stop turning on the flashers to speed on campus! Turn your energy to protecting Southern as a family!…like you would your own sons and daughters, get out of those cars and WALK! Make CHECKS at the checkpoint! Trust me, your presence will be appreciated and respected!
Peace and blessings,
R. Dorton, Jr.
San Francisco, Calif.
P.S. SU owes me $800!
Dear Mr. Dorton,
I earnestly apologize for your recent misfortunes, but it seems the jest of your argument roots from petty, displaced anger.
True, it is appalling to discover 13 cars in the same lot at the same time were all vandalized and stolen from, but can we justly blame the police for this? Let’s think about this: police protect and serve by doing what? What is the key factor contributing to arrests and overall justice? Witnesses…people calling in and reporting what’s going on. Even the great Batman and Robin got a signal from Gotham City to know when it was crime-fighting time. And you know how we like to mind our business. The cops can’t do it by themselves.
And yes, yes, I know….our checkpoint is not up to par, but come on man, if residents or friends of residents are committing crimes, how are we gonna keep them out? How are officers supposed to know which residents are the “good” ones and which ones are the “bad”? Again, it’s back on us to help.
As for your losses, do you REALLY think SU and Al***te (gee, I wonder what company this is…) are responsible for that? It’s your responsibility to know what kind of coverage you have, and if the car audio shops offer extended warranties and insurance.
Your concerns are valid; security is an issue that needs constant attention. But perhaps urging officers AND students to protect this campus would be more productive than cop-bashing. Oh, and by the way, those fellow officers you’re asking to put tickets down aren’t cops; they’re Traffic and Parking officers. There is a difference.
Thank you for your comments and please continue to read.
Sincerely,
Brandi Jade Thomas
Editor in Chief