Pubdate: Sun, 24 Sep 2000
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2000 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/help/letters.html
Website: http://www.modbee.com/
Author: Rev. Tony Belarmino
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/find?BK=Sepulveda+Alberto

TRAGEDY FOR BOTH FAMILIES

A tragedy has happened that will have lasting effects on two extended
families. The shooting of an 11-year-old boy will be felt by both his family
and the officer's family.

This was one horrible accident. I hope I never have to endure the pain that
those two families are going through.

There have been a lot of people who have proclaimed that that shooting would
not have happened if there hadn't been some racism involved. I think the
warrant and subsequent arrest at that home, as with several other
simultaneous searches and arrests, were not because of racism but because of
drug trafficking. I do not think those warrants were issued because of the
ethnic background of those being arrested but because of drugs.

I feel sorry for both families, but it was drugs that precipitated the
action that resulted in the shooting.

REV. TONY BELARMINO- Turlock
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MAP posted-by: Don Beck