Brutality cases greatly lacking in justification

Last Friday, periodicals published by the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) and fliers protesting police brutality were handed out to passers-by near the Campus Center.

The fliers illustrated how Haaii's officer were involved in recent police shootings.

Among their stories of "brutality" were John Miranda and Fortunato Barques III -- two men who, as martyrs, leave much to be desired.

John Miranda held his ex-girlfriend hostage with a shotgun in downtown Honolulu on Feb. 6, 1996.

In refusing his arrest, Barques decided to walk away, and made a reaching motion to his chest. Thinking he was pulling a gun, the officer shot him twice.

Although Barques' lawyer said he may have been reaching for a cell phone, his blatant disregard and disrespect for the law -- regardless of guilt or innocence -- leaves little room for pity.

If the RCP wishes to decry oppression, they will have to provide better examples than these.