Two Letters Call Out Addison

Today, June 13, there are two fine letters in the Durham Herald Sun responding to DPD Cpl. David Addison's letter this past Sunday. Later tonight I'll work these letters into a proper post, but for now I want to get them "out there."

Thanks go to the letter writers Charles Wolcott and Mike Lausten.

John
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Come clean, Addison


For months now, many have demanded that Durham Police Cpl. David Addison come clean with the source of the language in the infamous "wanted" poster distributed above his signature in April 2006 in the Durham community.

If the language, which implied the guilt of the entire Duke lacrosse team in the commitment of a "horrific" crime, came from Durham CrimeStoppers, on whose letterhead it was distributed, then it should be attributed to the CrimeStoppers board.

If the language came from someone else within the Durham Police Department, then Addison should identify that source and the specific authority by which they instructed him to use such language.

But if the language came from him and him alone, then he should acknowledge as much and be held accountable for his actions.

It's time to stop hiding behind Durham CrimeStoppers and come clean with the source of the irresponsibly inflammatory language.

CHARLES WOLCOTT
Dallas, Texas
June 13, 2007
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Durham police as victim


I read with amazement the letter you printed from Durham Police Department Cpl. David Addison. Put in the kindest light, during the Duke lacrosse case Addison made written and verbal statements that have now proven to be false.

If I had acted as Addison did, I would want to write and speak to apologize to anyone whom my words and writings had harmed.

Instead, Addison claims victimhood and asks for readers' sympathy. I don't think many others see things the way Addison does. His letter clouds the situation and he compares it to a fight with Mike Tyson.

I would think by now the people of Durham would be tired of their public officials mincing words. State Attorney General Roy Cooper didn't. When he made his statement declaring the players innocent, he restored some much needed confidence in the North Carolina justice system. Cooper was direct and clear. I respected his statement and I think others did too. Unfortunately Addison doesn't seem to have learned from Cooper's example.

If Addison wants to continue what Cooper began, there are only two words the public is interested in hearing him say: wrong and sorry.

MIKE LAUSTEN
Ashburn, Va.
June 13, 2007