After graduating from the University of Washington in Seattle, I took a job reporting for the New Pittsburgh Courier in Pittsburgh. 

I was walking to a concert at Carnegie Mellon University, not far from where I lived. 

Police arrested me for no reason and took me to the police station. The first word out of the arresting cop’s mouth was “I hate you niggers.” I didn’t have a record, and my degree from the UofW couldn’t save me.

He called in his cop buddies, and they beat me, leaving me with a black eye and a bloody nose.

I went before a judge, and he asked me, “Fred, what are you doing here?” I  covered his courtroom, but I was so scared I didn’t know where I was. I walked home and stayed in my room. 

In Los Angeles, a police officer who recorded racist and homophobic statements by his fellow officers may face up to 30 years in prison, but the cops who made horrible statements have not and probably never will be disciplined.

When I read about the District Attorney in L.A. and you offering more support for the police, I realize you are both the problem.

I expect great things from you. 

Frederick H. Lowe

1222 W.Norwood 

Chicago, Illinois 60660