A reader writes:

As you'll recall, a fellow member of my state, Oklahoma, sued in February over his right to have the phrase "IM GAY" as his license plate. I'm saddened to inform you that the man, Keith Kimmel, has died. The official reason of death is unconfirmed as of yet, but signs so far point to suicide.

I don't agree with homosexuality. I'll state that. But it does sicken me that people can be driven to such extremes because of who they are.

I'll be damned if I don't support the rights of gays to be a person. And people should never have to live in a world that treats them as the gay community is treated. What the hell is wrong with us? I hope for a day when people can be loved no matter their color, religion, or sexual orientation. I'm 23 years old and I don't believe I will see it in my lifetime. But, I will know hope. I think that will be my generations mark of this country and possibly the world. We believe in hope. Sometimes it seems as if that's all we have.

My apologies for droning on. My friends and family wouldn't understand my talking about this. That's just the place I live in.

A more extensive news report here. Money quote:

Kimmel also said that when he complained about pain, officers remarked that they were "experts at putting people in their place without leaving marks. They train us on that."

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