10777 W. Sample Road
Coral Springs
Florida 33065
May 19, 1980
Governor Robert Graham
Tallahassee
Florida
Dear Governor Graham:
The wanton destruction of life and property in the Miami area is disrupting the very fabric of American life. It MUST BE STOPPED, and, somehow ways MUST BE found to prevent its recurrence. And, just as important, the instigators of this horror MUST BE severly punished. A civilized society cannot endure this horrible behavior, and devastating penalties inflicted on innocent victims by a minority gone wild.
The catalyst for this destruction - the McDuffie verdict - (whether you agree or not) was the result of a seven week, expensive trial by jury, which is the American way. No citizen has the right to take the law into his hands in an attempt to change this. No one has the right to plunder, commit arson and murder because he disagrees with this.
Our young relative in Miami, owner of a small business, has overnight been wiped out by thugs seeking senseless "revenge." His economic life will require expensive, major, heart-breaking adjustments - all totally unjustified. Also, his business employed a dozen people who are now without jobs. He is important because he represents all victims of this destruction who have been dealt this unearned and devastating blow. Many will not recover. Our shaky economy does NOT need this extra burden.
Additional culprits are the newspapers, radio and TV. Their over-all attitude has been excusing - not the vigorous condemnation that is needed. How far can appeasement be carried? As far as the destruction of a city and economy? Let us hope sane minds in positions of authority can find some correct answers.
We object to the concept of trying the McDuffie defendants on Federal charges of civil rights violations. This smacks of an appeasing after-thought, aimed as a sop to the culprits at the expense of the already-tried former defendants. The scope of the problem is enormous and far transcends the McDuffie excuse.
Sincerely,
[signed]
M/M Theo. R. Baillet
[return address]
M/M T.R. Baillet, apt. 807
10777 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, Fla. 33065
[address]
Governor Robert Graham
Tallahassee
Florida 32301
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
GOVERNOR'S CORRESPONDENCE LOG 32897
DATE LOGGED: 5/23/80
NAME OF WRITER: BAILLET T
DATE RECEIVED: 5/23/0
SUBJECT: MIAMI RIOT
ASSIGNMENT: LG
DATE DUE: 0/00/0
ACKLGMENT SENT:
ASSIGNED BY: MRS. SUE TULLY, C.C.
INSTRUCTIONS: HANDLE APPROPRIATELY
ACTION TAKEN:
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