Dear Honorable

This morning I came to work furious and decided to take the first course of action - contacting my representative. You will know what I'm talking about after reading my letter.

What's next? A Facebook page? Perhaps. Writing another representative? Maybe. Telling the news? Could be done.

My letter to the Honorable Yvette D. Clarke:

Dear Honorable Clarke,
Very often when I take the train from Franklin Ave to pick up the 4/5 in the morning, I see cops randomly checking bags and I think, "How EFFECTIVE is this?"

This morning I was searched, which would make it my third time. I have nothing to hide - no weapons, drugs, or anything else. Obviously they would not know this until I am searched, but an innocent person being searched 3 times seems like a waste of not only my time, their time, but also taxpayers money.

The middle class and below get hit the hardest with taxes (especially the taxes being reinstated with buying clothes), increases in fare, inflation, and every other method the government can come up with to raise money at the expense of US citizens. It's all apparent the funds are continuously mismanaged. We are expected to be fiscally responsible citizens while Governor Paterson and the staff he can't manage, for instance, can hold out for FOUR months before they pass a budget.

Getting back to random police searches, what is the point? How are the stats stacking up with what is actually found? How much are we spending on something that is seemingly ineffective if that's what the stats show? Why can't these cops be on the streets when people are being harassed? The force has been cut so that five of them can hang out in the subway all at one time and select people trying to get to work or where they need to be.

A few months ago, my wallet was stolen and I went to the police station in my area only to be turned away. Is this justice? The same thing happened to my friend in her area of Williamsburg. When I'm looking for help, I can't find it. When I'm looking to get to work, there they are trying to search me. Inconsistent, unreliable...it's no wonder why people are volunteering themselves to fight crime in Astoria and parts of Brooklyn.

I hope this letter finds you and that you can look into this because I will be more than happy to let you know how many people agree with me.

My question that encompasses this whole letter is: What is the purpose?

Thank you,
KT