Why charge confetti thrower?

Tossing confetti on officer leads to an assault charge. ("Westminster police rain on former official's parade," Nov. 5) Are police officers in Westminster really that bored?

Officer Steve Atwood has charged Rebecca Orenstein with second-degree assault for throwing confetti toward and into his face (at a parade) and causing it to cover him.

That's just about the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. With all the major crime going on in this state (snipers, drugs, house burnings), are you telling me this is the best they can do to say they are fighting crime?

If this officer was so much "assaulted" why didn't he react to the situation then? I know it's a tough job to follow a parade, but if I'm an officer and I am assaulted, I would act immediately. (That is, once I manage to clear the confetti from my face).

It seems funny that Ms. Orenstein has been highly critical of the police chief there in Westminster, and then she ends up with this crazy charge. Sounds to me like they are trying to put a gag on her.

If this officer wants to make some real arrests, I'm sure other police jurisdictions with some real crime would love to have him.

Gregory B. Toyer Jr.

Raspeburg