July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Murderers lacked proper values
Letters to the Editor
To the editor:
In light of the recent slaying of 88-year old World War II veteran Delbert Belton, it seems strange that this incident garnered little news coverage beyond the local area of Spokane, Wa.
One would think that the robbery and slaying of a revered man from that era would, at least, garner some mention across the nation. I suspect this particular happening would not generate enough interest to sell newspapers. We must remember that, if not for men like Mr. Belton, we might not have the privilege of these same newspapers.
In one news report of the incident it was stated the suspects had been apprehended but their names had been redacted so as not to cause hurt feelings. Should we concern ourselves with murderers and their families feelings in a crime of this nature?
It turns out these suspects were Black teenagers and Mr. Belton was slain because he resisted their attempt to rob him. There was no gun used in this robbery attempt. Mr. Belton was subjected to a brutal beating from which he was unable to survive. This was not a racial or gang issue. It was simply two teenage thugs taking advantage of an opportunity to get something for nothing.
We have lost one of our treasures from the past which will fade away as if he never existed. There will be no speeches from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton which I feel is a shame. They should both take advantage of this opportunity to, at least, apologize for the actions of members of their race. It would go a long way toward softening opinions that they only speak up as advocates for actions against their own race.
We will not hear Mr. Obama state that they could be his sons. We must remember they could be sons of anyone not raised to take their place in society with the proper values and christian principles to interact with others.
Life is about choices we make and the consequences if we make the wrong ones. These young boys, most assuredly, were not introduced to anything I mentioned above.
May you Rest In Peace Mr. Belton. You have earned your place in heaven.
Jim Coleman
Portland
Editor’s note: Belton’s murder was widely covered by the national media. An Internet search brings up stories from CBS News, NBC News, The Washington Times and the Los Angeles Times.[[In-content Ad]]
In light of the recent slaying of 88-year old World War II veteran Delbert Belton, it seems strange that this incident garnered little news coverage beyond the local area of Spokane, Wa.
One would think that the robbery and slaying of a revered man from that era would, at least, garner some mention across the nation. I suspect this particular happening would not generate enough interest to sell newspapers. We must remember that, if not for men like Mr. Belton, we might not have the privilege of these same newspapers.
In one news report of the incident it was stated the suspects had been apprehended but their names had been redacted so as not to cause hurt feelings. Should we concern ourselves with murderers and their families feelings in a crime of this nature?
It turns out these suspects were Black teenagers and Mr. Belton was slain because he resisted their attempt to rob him. There was no gun used in this robbery attempt. Mr. Belton was subjected to a brutal beating from which he was unable to survive. This was not a racial or gang issue. It was simply two teenage thugs taking advantage of an opportunity to get something for nothing.
We have lost one of our treasures from the past which will fade away as if he never existed. There will be no speeches from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton which I feel is a shame. They should both take advantage of this opportunity to, at least, apologize for the actions of members of their race. It would go a long way toward softening opinions that they only speak up as advocates for actions against their own race.
We will not hear Mr. Obama state that they could be his sons. We must remember they could be sons of anyone not raised to take their place in society with the proper values and christian principles to interact with others.
Life is about choices we make and the consequences if we make the wrong ones. These young boys, most assuredly, were not introduced to anything I mentioned above.
May you Rest In Peace Mr. Belton. You have earned your place in heaven.
Jim Coleman
Portland
Editor’s note: Belton’s murder was widely covered by the national media. An Internet search brings up stories from CBS News, NBC News, The Washington Times and the Los Angeles Times.[[In-content Ad]]
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