To the Editor:

In the past few days, we have seen some movement on the John Geer case. Fairfax County agreed to resolve the Geer family’s wrongful death civil suit and paid out $2.95 million.

Then the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney finally decided to have a grand jury review the tragic case of Geer’s shooting. But what about the lingering image of our local police and government authorities? It is certainly at an all-time low.

Many of our so-called government “leaders” have shown an abject lack of leadership. They seem to be afraid of holding anyone accountable. This deplorable situation combined with a rash of national incidents involving police brutality makes one wonder where we are headed. Are we still a democratic republic or a police state?

I urge all concerned residents to get involved with the Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability. They hold meetings at the Martha Washington Library on Fort Hunt Road. This is how we can change things for the better.

Greg Paspatis

Alexandria