Editorials / Opinion

Seattle Times letters to the editor

Deadly force is unacceptable

Henry Lee Northwind, father of Jack Keewatinawin, with Jack’s brothers Montano Rojo Northwind, right, and Hawk Firstrider. Keewatinawin is said to have suffered from mental illness and was killed by Seattle police after responding to 911 calls made by his brothers. (MARK HARRISON/THE SEATTLE TIMES)

Here we go again: Seattle Police using deadly force on a mentally ill man Jack Keewatinawin [“Neighbors: Man killed by police mentally ill,” NWThursday, Feb. 28].

Is it not possible, if one must shoot, not to do it with deadly intent? I realize Tasers don’t always subdue people, however, cannot a person be winged instead of killed?

I am of a blended heritage — Alaskan native, coastal tribal member and European. It seems to me after the death of wood carver John T. Williams this type of brute force should not longer exist. I was always under the impression the police were here to “protect and serve” and the Seattle police seem to be doing neither for minority populations.

I do not condone violence of the mentally ill (a brain illness), being a bipolar person myself. Medication, when given and taken properly, is the best course available, yet it is not a panacea for all. The lack of resources, misunderstanding of utilizing medications, not knowing where to go for help and assistance and, not the least of all, how to pay for medications should be made into a resource guide if it has not already been done.

In summary, perhaps an educational program on mental health would help the Seattle police with an appropriate means of intervention with the mentally ill person. Indiscriminate killings are not ever acceptable for anyone, including those of minority status.

–Aleda (Williams) Enright and Michael L. Enright, Monroe