The Agony of Diallo

THE acquittal of the policemen in the Diallo case was good news. The conduct of the mixed-race jury in Albany—both during and after the trial—-was exemplary. And the small scale of the demonstrations that followed the verdict was gratifying, especially given the malign forces—led by Al Sharpton—calling for a conviction.

So again, good news; so good, in fact, that it’s easy to forget that the shooting does raise troubling issues. An innocent man was, after all, gunned down by those entrusted with the public safety.

JF

About the Author

Jonathan Foreman

Mr. Foreman, a writer at large for Standpoint magazine, is based in London and New Delhi.

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THE acquittal of the policemen in the Diallo case was good news. The conduct of the mixed-race jury in Albany—both during and after the trial—-was exemplary. And the small scale of the demonstrations that followed the verdict was gratifying, especially given the malign forces—led by Al Sharpton—calling for a conviction.

So again, good news; so good, in fact, that it’s easy to forget that the shooting does raise troubling issues. An innocent man was, after all, gunned down by those entrusted with the public safety.