In a free society

I was not in Pittsburgh during the unfortunate incident between Jordan Miles and several undercover police, but after reading the letter by Istvan Balogh ("Stop Making Assumptions About Police," Feb. 16 letters), I must comment. He stated that he worked as a correctional officer for 28 years. That probably explains his attitude. In the prison system, it's expected to have orders blindly obeyed.

But, for the man on the street, a free society offers a very different experience. Sure, there are rules to follow when walking down the street such as stop at red lights, go on green, etc. But, when a person walking along is approached by strangers, he or she should not have to choose between "obey the orders" and being beaten up!

These actions may be expected in a police state but not a free society. In fact, this is what differentiates a police state from a free society. And this is why this incident is so disturbing.

 

BARBARA SOLOMON
Prineville, Ore.

 

 

The writer is visiting Pittsburgh.