Creator
Forrest O. Miller
Context
This letter to the editor of the Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier was written on May 8, 1970, in response to the Kent State tragedy.
Audience
The readers of the Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier
Purpose
To place blame of the four dead students on the hands of the student demonstrators
Historical Significance
This letter displays a distinct disregard for the students who died during the tragedy, stating they "asked for it."
Transcript [excerpted]:
Dear Sir:
Subject: "Four Dead, 15 Wounded at Kent", News 4 May 1970.
It is deplorable that four young college youths were killed and 15 wounded in Kent State riots. However, they asked for it. If these students had been in their classes, study halls, or homes they would have been alive or not injured today.
Sure, witnesses on TV 2 state that they didn't think this could happen. But these student witnesses are immature in judgment, not even enfranchised, and have nothing to do, legally, with the school administration, its policy or security; nor do they have anything to say legally, about any other state business. They came to Kent to learn what the university had to teach them. If they knew more than the officials there wan no point of them coming to Kent. These students are not even entitled to vote, and after they grow up a little they will realize that all their rioting will not change the course of the Vietnam War either.
We just cannot have government by riot. And it is not a "demonstration" when the governor has to call troops out to protect property, innocent people, and maintain order.
Forrest O. Miller,
Dayton
Formerly of 408 E. Main St.,
Kent
Forrest O. Miller, letter to the editor, Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier (May 8, 1970).