The recent shooting by Salt Lake City police officers of an autistic child breaks my heart. These cops clearly demonstrated the hair-trigger incompetence commonplace among today’s mostly right-wing law enforcement officers. Discipline of the officers who shot this child must be quick and severe.
I disagree with those who accuse Tribune editorial cartoonist Pat Bagley of depicting cops as KKK terrorists. He was, simply and accurately, saying there is growing evidence that law enforcement officers in this country are becoming more dangerous than the rioters and protesters they are sent to control.
My Late wife, Annie, spent much of her career as an advanced practice registered nurse in Salt Lake City actively, often relentlessly, working to help kids with behavioral problems. A significant part of her work involved autistic children.
I learned from her what a wrenching experience that can be for the child, the parents, the siblings, the extended families and the mental health services involved.
I am heartbroken. Annie would be enraged.
Malin Foster, Cody, Wyoming