I got this today from Senator Obama:
Dear Peter:
Thank you for contacting me about your concerns with the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers. I appreciate hearing from you.
I am troubled by accounts of unnecessary force used on innocent people, especially when it results in tragedy as in the case of Kathryn Johnston, the 92-year old Atlanta woman killed by Atlanta police in a “no knock” raid. I also agree we need to ensure that our nation‰s law enforcement officers are trained to prevent unnecessary use of force and violence.
Our law enforcement plays an important role in keeping our communities safe, and most of our men and women serve their communities with great care and pride. But we must ensure that our policies do not create an atmosphere where police tactics place innocent people at risk.
Again, thank you for writing. If any vote comes before me in the Senate that can help address the unnecessary use of force, I will keep your views in mind.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
Very nicely said.
Note: I received this letter because I’m a resident of Illinois and have written to my Senators. If others have received similar letters from their Senators (including others who are candidates for President, feel free to let me know).