We Seek Justice
(June 25, 2009) Editor:
Thank you for showing a continuing interest in the “high-profile” bicycling death of Greg Jennings, which occurred August 25 of last year. (“Gross Negligence?” June 18). I have a few bones to pick with the last two paragraphs, which contain Mr. Gallegos’ comments about petitions and vengeance.
Family, friends, and colleagues of Greg Jennings and his wife, Lisa Hoover; family, friends and colleagues of the bicycling community, and the greater community — we are all strata in the body politic. Our names on a petition, and the number of our names, lend gravity to the circumstances of Greg’s unfortunate, wasteful death. We hope these circumstances will not be forgotten or ignored. Petitions are not out of place; they invite public awareness.
Justice sought — and justice gained — can be achieved within the framework of fairness and due diligence. Vengeance need not — and should not — be a participant. I regret that Mr. Gallegos raised this spectre as stated in the closing words of Walters’ article.
I was present at all open court dates in the Bear case; I was present and participated in the conference room parley with Gallegos after the June 10 date, when he apologized to us all for that day’s fiasco in court. We present were astounded by his last minute change of tack. Certainly we expressed our frustration and confusion and dismay but at no time, either overtly or implied, did I hear an expression of vengeance. Instead I heard a baffled but determined concern for justice for Greg, a need for “due diligence” and, decidedly, a further exploration of the several witnesses who saw the collision and its aftermath.
Betty Jain, Arcata
Sweet Spot*: Betty Jain wins a Bon Boniere sundae for sending our favorite letter of the week.*
Editor:
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ONE Comments
Comment / By joshua kinch / June 25, 2009, 12:21 p.m.
A sidebar to this unfortunate incident is sexism. Namely, the fate of male drivers who kill and maim vs. female. In almost every case, the male is demonized, alchohol or no, and gets serious jail time, while the female car killer gets a “poor baby should pay more attention and if you do this again we will just have a hissy fit” and given no time whatsover. Check it out. Remember the Roger Rodoni case? Happens every time.