Editor:

I feel obliged to respond to the column, “Preach respect and common sense (Oct. 16).”

I am one of the students who helped organize the recent community discussion with law enforcement at the Moton Museum. The author, Peter Kapuscinski, makes a number of assertions not backed by factual evidence.

For example, he admits that “civil disobedience has its place, but not against our peace-keeping agencies.” Unfortunately, that is one of the problems in our society. Specifically, the majority of those who are protesting or exercising their right to civil disobedience have had these feelings for a very long time.

Communities across this country are saying “enough is enough” and are using their inalienable rights to share their valid points of view. I do not condone violence; anyone who uses force when not in an act of self-defense deserves to have justice brought before them.

With regard to our recent community discussion forum, its aim was to improve the relations between the community and police. All of our opinions are important and help paint a full picture of reality. Evidence indicates that events like these are successful in improving police-community relations, and this is supported by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which concluded that it is vital for both sides to have an understanding of each other’s positions, and to do so with mutual respect.

Kapuscinski’s letter demonstrated an unwillingness to hear a more equitable and balanced community perspective.

Kyle Goss

Farmville