For too long, we have seen two areas of murder and death that are out of control and taking a horrible toll on our people and our psyche. Police officers misuse of lethal force in arrests, and the killing of thousands with fentanyl are scourges that must be addressed.

Both problems are complex and require action that takes time to accomplish. I hope to start a discussion that could begin to produce immediate common-sense solutions.

Regarding arrests, the best possible behavior to exhibit is to simply submit, don’t argue, and don’t resist or run.

Regarding drugs, make sure that no drugs are obtained by any manner other than a prescription from your doctor. In both discussions it is imperative that parents impress these cautions on their children.

I offer these ideas in the hope that this might be a start, albeit small one, to a stop in the senseless deaths.

ED HICKOK,

Alpena