Letters

Blacklisting citizens

The big issue with the mayor and police director’s blacklist is government overreach — not safety.

No question that Mayor Strickland has every right to protect himself, his family his home and the community and Director Rallings, to that end, has certain legal responsibilities to initiate the appropriate efforts for both. They are fine men whose good intentions are to safeguard us from unlawful and dangerous behavior.

But, bypassing the courts to suspend the rights of certain members of the community to assemble and partition at public facilities absence a compelling and immediate threat is regulation by fiat and raises concerns about 1st Amendment violations. Even domestic abusers have their day in court to contest a restraining order before it’s issued.

Blacklisting, red lining, attaching the letter “C” to rental applications, etc., are illegal practices often targeting “them.” It’s de-facto legislation by decree presented as a fait accompli.

When sanctioned it exposes all of us to the slippery slope of government executives summarily dismissing certain inalienable rights.

The road paved with good albeit misguided intentions can and often does jeopardize the freedoms of others. Overreach by shortsighted government agents are among the lead pavers. Bill Coop, Olive Branch

Cohen is good pick for ethics committee

Rep. Steve Cohen became my representative as a result of the last reapportionment. I cannot recall a single issue that I have agreed with Rep. Steve Cohen’s position. However, I do believe his appointment to the House Ethics Committee is a positive act. Unlike many House members of both parties, I have never had any reason to question his ethics.

Jim Phelps, Cordova

Cohen should respect other elected officials

Regarding the Feb. 20 article, “Cohen says ethics panel provides vital service,” I did not vote for Steve Cohen, but will certainly give him the respect due to him as my duly elected congressman.

Cohen talks about ethics, but how about showing some respect for our elected officials. Your candidate lost. Get over it. Let’s put America first. New leadership is not a bad thing. Wish the media could understand that. Their bias is making all of us doubt The Commercial Appeal and other media outlets.

Janet Fleming, Memphis

In praise of the Sheriff’s Department

I own a small business in unincorporated Shelby County, and I recently called the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department for a non-emergency matter. A deputy arrived within 20 minutes and was able to solve my problem in a very courteous and professional manner. This experience reminded me of other times I have called the Sheriff’s Department over the past 30 years. On every occasion, I was very impressed with the rapid response times, helpful attitude and professional manner in which they performed their jobs.

As a small-business owner, I realize this is the result of a very well run organization. If the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department was a model for the entire country, many of the problems we see today would disappear. I would like to thank Sheriff Oldham and every member of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Richard Massey, Millington Email letters to letters@commercial appeal.com; fax to 901-529-6445; mail Letters to the Editor, The Commercial Appeal, 495 Union, Memphis, TN 38103; or click on the “Submit Letter” link on the Opinion page at commercialappeal.com.