Cops on trial in Ellis’ death deserve fairness. A civics teacher should know that | Opinion

Nate Bowling op-ed

After reading Nate Bowling’s recent op-ed, “The Tacoma cops who killed Manuel Ellis want to evade justice. We can’t let them,” I find it incredible that someone named “teacher of the year,” who purports to teach young people civics and American history, would attempt to taint the jury pool in this matter.

No evidence has been presented in court yet; indeed, the allegations that Mr. Bowling states as facts are simply drawn from the original charging documents.

I realize that he does not practice law, but allegations in criminal investigations are just that: allegations. The state often fails to prove what it alleges, much less beyond a reasonable doubt.

It is also puzzling to see a civics teacher criticize local government officials for refusing to make public statements about the matter, when their silence is specifically designed to avoid influencing potential jurors.

Even more so, why would Mr. Bowling think it appropriate to criticize criminal defendants for not making public statements or submitting to investigative interrogations? Is he not familiar with the rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment or the fact that no negative inferences are to be drawn against a person exercising said rights?

What version of civics is he teaching?

Most troubling, though, is Mr. Bowling’s unequivocal endorsement of violence. He argues that, should the jury acquit the defendants, the “riots that may follow will be earned and deserved.” Seriously?

I can’t believe this has to be said, but in a civilized society, violence against innocent people and their property is never justified, much less “earned.”

It is always wrong.

Teacher of the Year, indeed.

Greg Thompson, Tacoma

Government shutdown

Another day, another headline in The News Tribune about a possible government shutdown.

I can only imagine what worse things could happen to those people least capable of handling an economic crisis if a shutdown occurs.

When Congress failed to act to extend the Child Tax Credit it resulted in doubling the number of children experiencing poverty in 2022.

The Child Tax Credit is the one big government expenditure to help children experiencing poverty. Why are we letting our government do this to our children?

It is time for voters to pay attention to what their Representatives are doing to help those children least responsible for experiencing poverty.

Andy Clarke, Gig Harbor

Looking back

Ten years ago, The News Tribune commemorated the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit to Tacoma with front page coverage.

Today, on the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit to Tacoma, there is no mention of the visit in the paper.

The News Tribune no longer carries the long-running “Looking Back” feature.

In my opinion, The News Tribune was a better newspaper when it featured local history.

Harold Friedman