Letter of the day: It’s time for more of the Somali community to show courage

The Mafia was known for its code of silence; so, apparently, is the Somali community. Instead of praising Ali Ismael for his cooperating testimony in a murder trial (“Was Somali man’s slaying a payback for testifying?” Oct. 29), Omar Jamal says, “We can’t find any other motive [for Ali's murder] than police exposing him to danger.” What about the murderer? Has he no blame? The United States has a history of brave whistleblowers who stood up against injustice. Ali Ismael is now one of those. The Somalis who keep silent are complicit in his death and do him a dishonor. Yet all we hear are complaints from this community about the slow investigational progress by the police, even when there are eyewitnesses. My advice to Mr. Jamal and the Somali community: No whining, no excuses. Show some courage like Ali. As the old adage goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

MICHELLE PETERSON, PLYMOUTH

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From Star Tribune Opinion Exchange

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