READERS WRITE

John Lewis

Language of racism is inappropriate

It’s absurd for white men to criticize U.S. Rep. John Lewis on issues of what he sees as racist comments. The letter writers (@issue, Oct. 15) probably were not even around during the civil rights era. Even if they were, they should know the language of racism and how inappropriate it is.

If a political candidate for a national office ignores comments, shouts and jeers that have racial overtones and does nothing to combat such actions, it’s very difficult for them to later claim that criticism of their actions was not appropriate.

When these white guys have walked in John Lewis’s shoes, perhaps they might understand things differently. I was around during the civil rights era. As a white guy, I can only say that I regret not doing more than I did. Unfortunately, I found myself contributing to the old saying “all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” I fit that category in those days. Critics of Lewis fit that category today.

BRUCE GARNER, Atlanta

Rep. Lewis should feel ashamed

I am writing to express my dismay and outrage at Rep. John Lewis’ recent statements concerning Sen. John McCain’s campaign. The very idea of comparing McCain’s campaign to that of Gov. George Wallace is an abomination, and frankly, Lewis should be ashamed. It is statements such as his that incite racial dissension, distrust, and, to use his own words, “disruptive behavior.” He is an elected official and a spokesman for Georgia. One who holds such a position should strive to behave with integrity, respect and honor.

Unfortunately, his recent statements reflected quite the opposite. Perhaps if more people in powerful positions strived to move forward with improving race relations instead of dredging up painful events of the past, racial harmony could become a reality in our lifetime.

I am proud to be a Georgian and especially an American. Unfortunately, I am ashamed of his behavior of these past few days, and he should be as well. He may represent my state, but he does not speak for me.

SUSAN COCHRAN KANTIS, Marietta

Civil rights leader’s comments divisive

U.S. Rep. John Lewis’s intemperate remarks about John McCain being another George Wallace were not only wrong, they were divisive. Coming from a man who was a respected member of the civil rights movement, which, among other thing stood for tolerance, is inexcusable.

His subsequent attempt to backtrack on his remarks is not sufficient; he needs to apologize. And if this is not something he can do, the voters need to recognize that he is no longer the man he was 40 years ago. It is time to retire, Mr. Lewis. I’d rather remember you the way you were.

ROGER SOISET, Lilburn

Thanks for standing up, speaking out

John Lewis once again used non-violent confrontation against the vile tactics of racism. In the ’60s they used police dogs; in 2008 they used a pit bull wearing lipstick. U.S. Rep. John Lewis once again stopped the angry mob attack tactics of the John McCain campaign, by speaking and standing up like a man. Mr. Lewis, you are still a much-needed American civil rights hero and I thank you! Once again you were involved in a turning point by bringing us back to civil discourse and reason. We will see if the Republican campaign stays stuck on stupid.

NATHANIEL McDANIEL, Mableton

ACORN

Taxpayers foot bill for organization

I strongly disagree with the letters criticizing Jim Wooten’s column about ACORN voter registration (@issue, Oct. 14). American taxpayers are clearly footing the bill for ACORN to register new Democrats and elect liberals. If these bogus registrations will not affect the election, why are they spending millions to add over a million new voters?

Why are 14 states (many swing states) being investigated even by Democratic secretaries of state? ACORN employees have been indicted in the past for false voter registration, and if ACORN were a Republicans organization, your writers would be outraged at such illegal activity.

I resent ACORN subverting U.S. election law on the taxpayers’ dime.

ADRIENNE FORSYTH, Atlanta

Voter fraud not illegal registration

I don’t understand the problem with ACORN. No matter how many voters you sign up, only legitimate voters with a valid ID will be permitted to vote. Dead people can’t, nor can Mickey Mouse, etc. So what’s the big deal, except that the wool was pulled over the eyes of those people who were paying for the signatures of imaginary voters. There is a difference between voter fraud and illegal voter registration!

DAVID CLARKE, Buford