We need most to deal with day-to-day crimes, not sensational ones

Symbolic acts are punished symbolically. The "Asheville 11" (nine of whom aren't from Asheville) were charged with rioting and damaging property to the extent of $18,000, and somehow they ended up with 112 misdemeanor charges, 33 felonies, and $65,000 bonds each.

[Recently] a man with multiple prior convictions was arrested with 27 charges, including larceny, breaking and entering, and assaulting a female. His original bond was set at $57,800. A similar bond was set for a prior felon who shot a man in the head. Where is the justice in this?

The police and media, historically, are quick to sensationalize and condemn the groups and actions that threaten the dominant power structure. Granted, the vandalism was wanton, ill advised and criminal. But does it merit several full-page stories in every major local paper when there is only a tiny column devoted to the ongoing violence toward gays in our towns and no coverage of the recent muggings and sexual harassment that occur around downtown?

Just because a crime is more visible doesn't make it more damaging to social welfare.

There are many reasons people won't report a crime, principally, a lack of faith in the ability of the justice system to respond adequately or to uphold the dignity of the victim. Minorities and second-class citizens understand: The role of the police is to enforce the rights of property holders and maintain the status quo. This kind of reaction implies that our society cares more about policing people's political beliefs than protecting people from bodily harm. It implies that property has more value than individual lives. It creates fear based around broken windows and material loss.

Businesses have property insurance to cover losses from damage, but individuals cannot recover from assault and be compensated for their suffering. Asheville and the Police Department need stop "setting examples" of vandals and start responding appropriately to the real crimes that threaten us.

— Aaron Gunn and Bullet Miller
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

5 thoughts on “We need most to deal with day-to-day crimes, not sensational ones

  1. Comet5o4

    Bonds are not punishment, just a guarantee that one will come back to court.

  2. Piffy!

    Clearly, those who commit “Sensational” crimes should be let go. As well as the “Fabulous” crimes.

  3. cwaster

    Thugs walk up and down my street in Montford every day. There are break-ins often, and I’ve seen someone apparently selling drugs off of a moped. I have often wondered why the satellite police station was taken out.

  4. Piffy!

    Gun and Bullet? Did you guys [i]really[/i] research the letter writers identities?

Leave a Reply to Piffy! ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.