In response to Monday’s editorial, “Allston issues are perennial” (Nov. 19, p. 4): I think it is outrageous — not to mention ignorant — to imply the police somehow deserve part of the blame for this tragedy. If you want to know why there are more incidents like this in Allston than in Brookline, simply look at the demographics. More students means more drinking, which translates into an increased likelihood for this type of situation to occur. It’s common sense.

Students live in Allston because the rents are cheaper and the area is seen as the more hip, happening, lively place to be. Allston is known as the “student ghetto” for a reason. Many students choose to live in Brookline to avoid this very type of activity. Even if there were a heavier police presence, unless the cops were actually inside the party there’s nothing they could’ve done to prevent this. This happened because a few drunken idiots couldn’t control themselves, and neither could or would anyone else.

I’ve lived in the area for 10 years and have been to dozens of parties that were broken up by police. In fact, when I was a student I often felt there was an excessive police presence. And I’m sure many current students agree that sometimes it feels like the cops are always around. If you think there are more police patrols in Brookline than in Allston, provide some numbers to back it up. That’s Journalism 101. Otherwise, your argument is weak, anecdotal and subjective, not to mention unprofessional, even for a college newspaper.

Lou Donato

COM ’02