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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, April 17 Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Misplaced priorities Your April 9 front page story and photo, "Officers cleared," says it all about misplaced priorities. The photo shows Medford police in full military attack mode aiming their weapons at one armed, mentally ill man. "The seven officers fired approximately 62 rounds in about six seconds," killing the man. It took all of 40 minutes for a grand jury to "justify" this death. The obvious questions: Why kill instead of disable? Why 62 rounds? Why seven executioners? Why a $21.6 million new building and parking garage for Medford police and their cars instead of supportive services, including housing, for the homeless and mentally ill, often one and the same? And, once again, why are guns so freely available in this country — the problem that triggered this whole sorry Wild West showdown? Julia Sommer Ashland Tired of dynasties I am appalled at the upcoming presidential election cycle. As a woman and lifelong Democrat, I find it unconscionable that we can only field one candidate. I would love to see a woman become president some day. Just not Hillary. I understand that she has a wealth of government experience. She also has excess baggage that I believe would force a Republican win. Unless someone else enters they fray (doubtful), it appears my only option will be a protest/write-in vote. How sad. The probable slate will be Clinton versus Bush. Frankly, I'm tired of both "dynasties," and I'm betting the country is, too. Virginia Terrell Medford Life is beautiful Some things are an irritant. Others raise my hackles. But today, the sun is shining. The scent of blossoms fill the air. I hear a bird. Its music surrounds me. I can travel the world on two canes. I am loved. Life is beautiful. Mary Scott Medford Relieved at progress I am so relieved to know that progress has been made on no war with Iran. In spite of many previous disappointments, this is one big success! Mary Lasley Ashland Clean up your mess To serve and protect. It’s been said to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. What happens when the line is blurred, when some of the people you are asked to protect become the enemy? Police officers must announce their intentions; a drug-, alcohol- or mentally impaired person does not. If you have a history of violence or criminal activity, the color of your skin does not denote who you are, but your actions can. So citizens, clean up your own mess, your domestic issues, your neighbor disputes, put down your bottle of beer, your meth, your needles, and take responsibility for your actions. Hold yourself to a higher standard and maybe you won’t need to call the police to clean up your mess. Sheila Baker, proud mother of a dedicated police officer Medford Teach respect My friend and I were sitting curbside for the Pear Blossom Parade. How wonderful to see everyone out in the rain. One thing upset us so much, it brought tears to my eyes. Very few people stood or removed their hats when our flag was presented. What has happened to the respect, the pride? I am so upset with my society. People, please, teach your children respect and honor. Patricia Hoffman Rogue River MailTribune.com Writer Posted Apr. 17, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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