It is disgraceful that our legal system sees fit to delay the prosecution of former Episocpal bishop Heather Cook ("Trial of former bishop Heather Cook postponed as attorney considers a plea," June 5).
I have no pity for her and care little that she suffers from a disease.
I do care greatly, however, that the legal system and the Episcopal Church have found ways to avoid pain and embarrassment for her. She is not the victim, and it is egregious that members of the church successfully hid her addiction to alcohol from their council.
Her mental anguish and suffering notwithstanding, the verdict should have been swift and severe. Her benefactor, a fellow ex-clergyman who is also a recovering addict, and the church, which enabled her to make bail and is paying for her rehabilitation, should be paying the family of Ms. Cook's victim triple that amount as a minimum gesture of support.
I am a fellow bicyclist who routinely travels the Roland Avenue bike path. My eyes never fail to well with tears when I think of Thomas Palermo's widow and two small children as I pass the modest memorial at the scene of the tragedy.
Every time I hear someone holler for me to ride on the sidewalk or feel a vehicle pass me closer than the three feet state law allows, I wonder what else Tom could have done to prevent this disaster.
Bicyclists do not have the pathways or support from the law we deserve and need to ride safely. Our interests and the interests of justice and morality are not served when punishment is delayed.
There was nothing more that Tom could have done to prevent this tragedy, but it is past time that authorities took action to send drivers a message that our lives matter.
Charles Chaban, Towson