I read, with my usual disgust, about the killing of Robert Woodward by the Brattleboro, Vt. police. His crime: seeking refuge and prayer in a Unitarian Church because he was thinking about taking his own life and was armed with a small knife only threatening to use it on himself. The only fact that surprised me was that the community was shocked that the police would kill him. Now mind you these are the people who are highly trained in disarming people, not to mention that they are armed with pepper spray and clubs. One would have to have been unconscious for the last decade to not know that the police are out of control and not made accountable for their actions.

If you are someone who has heard about corrupt policeman, judges, district attorneys, lawyers and other government employees and did nothing to demand they be removed from their position then you are one of the causes that set up the scenerio that occurred in Brattleboro. The community must demand the firing of not only the officers involved but the Chief of police. The chief's comment that he was sure proper procedures were followed shows his obvious disregard for human life. The public must demand that the crime be investigated and charges filed. Contrary to what some would like us to believe which, of course, was reinforced when the citizens of this country let Bill and Hillary Clinton get away without being prosecuted, NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.

The proposal by the selectman that a citizen oversight committee be formed only shows their ignorance of how a republic works. They already have one. It is called a Grand Jury. By the way we don't live in a democracy. We live in a constitutional republic. That's why we say "... and to the Republic for which is stands." If one reads their history one would know that all democries lead to socialism which eventually leads to communism.

Of course it doesn't help in Massachusetts when Governor Jane Swift and Attorney General Thomas Riley get countless complaints from citizens who have had their rights trampled and crimes committed against them by the Mass. State Police and some local police and do absolutely nothing about. I know one woman who received a response from the Governor saying she didn't interfere in other branches of the government. That's very interesting being as how she is the chief law enforcement officer. When I sent a complaint to the Governor I didn't even get a reply. Both of us are nurses. Do you suppose Jane Swift has something against nurses? I also know a man who travels in higher social circles who did get a response from her. Of course the aide she foisted the task to screwed it up only resulting in more harrassment from the State Police. Are some animals more equal than others in the Commonwealth?

Of course the fact that nothing is done about these crimes and civil rights violations is resulting in multiple civil suits. What most taxpayers don't know is that underthe RICO Statute a victim has ten years to sue if their civil rights are violated and if they win the award is tripled. Most taxpayers also don't know that the State's insurance company will not pay claims when government employees delibertly break the law. So Mr. & Mrs. John Q. Citizen that "giant sucking sound" you will be hearing is your wallet being emptied and you thought the Big Dig was expensive. How are all the people who support all the social programs that don't work going to feel?

My husband and I used to enjoy shopping and dining in Brattleboro but we will avoid the town now at all costs. Anyone who is planning a vacation to Vermont or Massachusetts might want to think about whether it is worth risking their life and liberties. Perhaps it would be wiser to travel somewhere safer like Irag or North Korea.

Linda Hamilton
Heath, Ma.
(413)337-4306