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Letters: What went down in Kensington

I'M PROUD of the people who caught this man who did the horrible damage to that poor little girl. When the mother of the child says, "This could have been prevented," she's absolutely right. It could have been prevented by her getting up and taking her children where they have to be in the morning. How can she make her 11-year-old girl responsible for taking her younger child to day care? It's an adult responsibility.

I'M PROUD of the people who caught this man who did the horrible damage to that poor little girl.

When the mother of the child says, "This could have been prevented," she's absolutely right. It could have been prevented by her getting up and taking her children where they have to be in the morning. How can she make her 11-year-old girl responsible for taking her younger child to day care? It's an adult responsibility.

And the day-care center should look into its policy on drop-off and pickup. I work for a pre-K, and there is no way we'd accept a child being dropped off by another child. The drop-off and pickup person has to be 18 or older.

To Jose Carrasquillo's brother Alex: Maybe the reason for your brother's behavior is that you and your family continue to make excuses for his behavior.

I've had relatives addicted to drugs, and lost my mother in 1993. But none of us has done the things your brother has done. Jose Carrasquillo, the people of Philadelphia showed that you can only make excuses for so long before you reap what you sow.

Magdalena Cancel, Philadelphia

Why was this man still running the streets after the 2002 incident? At what point can people and communities begin to have security and trust in the laws when they don't fully protect the people? When our babies are targets for monsters, something needs to be done.

Imagine your child/daughter/son at age 11 being dragged into an alley, ferociously raped by some predator, then left like a piece of trash.

Aneesah Young, Philadelphia

I'm baffled by how many people were clamoring in front of cameras and giving interviews telling how they played a part in the capture of alleged rape suspect Jose Carasquillo.

Some people say they are heroes, but real heroes don't need recognition. Solidarity in the community to do what's right is the positive aspect of their actions. But the downside is that due to their actions, they opened themselves up for charges by admitting they participated. I'm not saying if a crime happens, don't do anything, but whatever you do to help, claim and admit nothing because someday, somehow, it will come back to bite you.

James Brawner, Philadelphia

"Street justice" isn't the approved punishment for any offense, but knowing the Philadelphia court system, it'll probably be the most severe punishment Jose Carrasquillo has ever, or will ever, receive for his crimes.

William Palmer, Philadelphia

Police identify a man suspected of raping a child. He's found walking the street and beaten nearly to death by a mob of thugs.

The Hispanic community is elated, the police commissioner is thankful for their help in "capturing" the suspect and the Daily News plays it up like these guys are heroes. Two of the punks were given rewards, no less.

What happened to due process? Can you imagine if white police officers found this guy and beat him up? Yep, you got it.

Ain't it grand to live in a one-party town with a liberal media?

Jim Taylor, Bensalem

I lived in Philadelphia for 53 years, then moved several years ago to the suburbs.

In the city, people walk by and see other people who lie bleeding on the street like they're invisible. There is nothing for criminals to fear because they have more rights than the victims do.

Vigilantism may not be the answer, but the criminals certainly aren't in fear of the cops. They have to believe there is some sort of reprisal coming from somewhere because the longer I'm away from Philly, the worse it gets. And they're preying on the innocents.

Elizabeth Sites, Pottstown

If this guy is found guilty, the residents of his new home will probably also mete out their own form of justice.

Lonnie Goldiner, Philadelphia

I wonder what these people would have done if the police took the same actions in front of them?

My view of justice would go something like this. After the criminal is convicted, he is released pending sentencing. The judge double-checks the convict's address in open court and reminds him he's required to be there. All interested parties would be available for visitation.

Andrew J. Anderson, Marlton, N.J.

Yes, Sonia has the 'power'

Re Hannibal Casanova's letter on Sonia Sotomayor and racism: You don't need to have "power" to be a racist. Racists come in all shapes, sizes, colors, nationalities. If you're part of the human race, you have the "power."

Diane McDowell, Philadelphia