I was saddened by the use of the term "pigs" to describe the Seattle Police Department in your unsigned editorial from Oct. 17. If it is the opinion of your editorial staff that police deserve to be called such names, then I wonder why you would publish an article on the front page encouraging citizens to report crimes.
Unsigned editorials ultimately represent the opinion of your paper, not just a single writer. The writer, and possibly your entire publication, should be ashamed of its abuse of the police department and quickly offer an apology.
While I'm sure the police often make mistakes, it destroys our communities when we resort to such irresponsible remarks. If you are journalists, act appropriately and save the name-calling for after hours.
Sincerely,
Gregory Schaffer
PUBLISHER REPLIES:
The editorial overall, written by editor Erik Hansen, was sound in its thinking.
The use of the word "pigs" was not.
Hansen was attempting to convey an attitude toward possible malefactors in the police department - and yes, they do exist. But the word is so loaded with negative connotations that it should never have been used.
We regret the wrong.
And we apologize to the police department and our readers.
Mike Dillon
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