POLICE: Greater presence OK

Why do the politically correct progressives get all bent out of shape and start throwing conniption fits at the suggestion of a greater police presence in communities where there is reasonable suspicion of the presence of terrorists’ cells?

I worked among the gangs in the late ‘60s and ‘70s of New York City, Newark, Los Angeles, and Orange counties. In the communities where the gangs hung out there was an obvious greater presence of law enforcement patrol. Curfews were implemented and enforced. In the ‘80s and ‘90s Mayor Giuliani (of NYC) empowered police patrol to do what was necessary to minimize gang activity with outstanding success. Chicago is an example of too little presence and too few law enforcement officers patrolling communities where there is gang related activity. It seems to me that where terrorists hang out, law enforcement should be beefed up.

I am not suggesting that all muslims are terrorists. However, just as there are extremists in other religions, Christianity included (example, Waco, Texas) so it is with radical islamists. Should we not wear the banner of alertness for the benefit of the Republic now and in the future for our children and grandchildren?

The question that requires an answer is: What is the purpose for greater law enforcement presence and the implementation of curfews? Is it to punish all the people of the community or to protect law abiding citizens from the criminal element or as Hillary Clinton said, “ It will incite more fear.”

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d’Alene