Police praised for professionalism

To the editor:

As the chair of the Concerned Citizens of Southeast Missouri, the group that brought Ray McGovern to Cape Girardeau, I wanted to thank the Cape Girardeau Police Department for its excellent help with security at the event. I should stress that the police were not involved in the politics of the event in any way, nor were they working for our group. They were simply there to ensure the safety of the speaker and the attendees. At a deeper level, they were there to protect a free flow of ideas and perspectives, no matter how controversial. This, of course, is a key indicator of a healthy democracy and a free society. It is the very definition of the most important kind of freedom.

Speaking for our whole group, I want to thank Chief Carl Kinnison, Capt. Roger Fields and the two police officers who were on duty at the Osage Community Centre last Saturday evening. The officers were highly professional. Know that you are appreciated. If you haven't thought of it, know also that you are working to preserve the highest intentions and ideals of our Founding Fathers during a time when those ideals are under attack. Thank you, Cape Girardeau police. You're true patriots. You're the best.

DANA KLUESNER, Oran, Mo.