Double Jeopardy for Asian Americans

October 11, 2001.

Double Jeopardy for Asian-Americans
By T.S. Khanna
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As freedom and justice loving people, we all feel that the terrorists must be brought to justice. Yet, some people with criminal tendencies consider it a window of opportunity for abusing, injuring, or killing the American citizens of Asian origin. A case in point is Balbir Singh Sodhi who was shot dead on September 15, 2001. Since then, there have been several other cases of threats and harassment due to misplaced suspicion and displaced anger. Some criminals sanctify their crimes in the name of religion or patriotism.

Asian-Americans face double jeopardy: first, going through the same emotional trauma as the rest of the nation; second, being constantly in danger of the criminals ready to commit opportunity crime. The homespun terrorists with local roots must not be ignored while dealing with the terrorists with international roots.

There seem to be two alternatives; (a) most of the Asian Americans, shy of guns, should learn the use of guns for their own protection, (b) extra police protection may be provided for the vulnerable Asian Americans. The second alternative may be more expensive but the freedom to own and use more and more guns seems to be at war with our interest of maintaining a friendly and cohesive society.

The victims of “racial profiling” found innocent may be compensated and the enforcement officials using good judgement may be rewarded.

I urge congress members to establish task forces in their respective districts to deal with this problem.




Note: Louise, Please note that this letter has 256 words including date, title and my address. Hope you can accommodate it in you paper at the earliest.