Bill Aossey, family are being mistreated

To the editor:

Years ago the Aossey family moved to Cedar Rapids. They worked hard to be successful in business, but they also generously gave back to the community. We benefited from their living here because they helped make this city what it is today.

Even if an error in judgment was made by a few members of the family, we cannot forget the good things they have done. Humans make mistakes because they are not perfect. An opportunity to repair a stellar reputation should not be out of the question.

Instead, the legal system and the media are trying to destroy them and their business because of mislabeled products sent to international buyers years ago. No physical damage resulted, but we are not getting that story in the case coverage.

Bill Aossey has been confined in the county jail for weeks and his sons are enduring endless court delays. We should not allow ourselves to be tricked into believing the worst because of a deliberate effort to pile up charges.

It would be the American way to believe that what is fair and right will prevail, but our country has become less tolerant with some people these days. Is it not possible that this family is being treated too severely in light of the crime that has supposedly been committed?

Sandra Bruns

Cedar Rapids