THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY COMMENTS are not intended to detract from public outcry against the killing of women and children, so let me state unequivocally that I condemn the killing of our women and children. However, we need to understand that our women and children are not and cannot be safe until our men are safe. No one is safe until we are all safe. As long as men are killed women and children will be killed.
As we grieve for our women and children, let us not forget that the unfortunate truth is that there are greedy, selfish, heartless, wanton, wicked, wretched women who put men and children at risk. Some of them are gun-toting criminals themselves. Thankfully, these women are not in the majority, but we must not forget their existence. This is the danger we face, when we select a special group to focus on, when we are taking a stand against crime and violence. We should roundly condemn violence against any and every human being regardless of age or gender.
TAKE A STAND
We also need to take a stand against those who condone wrongs and turn a blind eye when their friends and relatives are involved in crime. Women are the greatest offenders where this is concerned. Decent, law-abiding women are embarrassed and ashamed of the women who are criminals or condone criminality. I am sure that decent, law-abiding men are also deeply embarrassed and ashamed of the men who perpetrate or condone crime.
The lines are clearly drawn between criminals on one side and law-abiding citizens on the other.
I am, etc.,
WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN
Bagatelle district
Ashley P.A.
Clarendon
