Killing is wrong no matter who does it
Despite the fact that over 90 percent of African-American killings are black-on-black, compared to about 83 percent of white-on-white murders, there is still a need for less killings of unarmed Blacks by the police — in particular by white police! Killing is wrong when done by the police or your neighbor. We have got to get over the mentality of this is the Wild West, and start to respect the lives of our fellow citizens. We have got to place the value of life way above how we value it now. This is something that also should be taught in school, in churches and anywhere people meet. Let’s stop the senseless killing of our youth and older people also, and outgrow our need to be superior to someone else!
DAVID CLARKE, BUFORD
Leftist media ignorant on Muslims
Jay Bookman’s Dec. 7 column “Kennesaw Rejects Freedom” reflects clearly the complete ignorance of the far left of the true agenda of Muslims in this country. First, they are not immigrating; they are invading America. Their goal is not to enjoy our freedoms we have here that are found no where else in the world. Their goal is to eventually use our freedom as a way to eliminate those same freedoms and install Islam and sharia law worldwide. And by the way Jay, a free press is the first thing that is eliminated when they take over. Three cheers for Kennesaw’s willingness to say “No, not in our town!”
SHEPARD S. AVERITT IV, CUMMING
No monopoly on religious freedom
After reading the hate-filled xenophobic letter from the “irate old lady” who supported Kennesaw’s denial of a downtown mosque, perhaps she should read again what she stated: “we are a nation willing to let others worship as they please,” although what’s up with the word “willing”? So we’re just being nice if we allow others to worship differently than you do? You categorize all Muslims are terrorists, so should I categorize all so-called Christians as hate-mongers? Diversity in this country is here to stay, so move on and stop being so closed-minded for your own sake.
CATHERINE PHELAN, ATLANTA
A great gulf fixed
I laughed when you used that particular scripture Dec. 7 to highlight that “blacks and whites differ vastly in their attitude toward law enforcement and the criminal justice system.” Then you state flatly that justice is not fairly administered now, and seemingly erodes more weekly. The rest of the editorial infers that, in two recent cases, the actions of the police and grand juries left something to be desired, or perhaps erred in some way. Thank you for describing the situation so clearly and offering a solution: — that “we (whites and blacks, I suppose) find ways to listen specifically to each other.” The newspaper is in an ideal position to start this discussion. Police operate under laws and rules, and grand juries are provided for in the constitution to protect citizens from unwarranted charges. So let us start the discussion with suggestions from both parties about how these two functions can be improved to ensure that justice is fairly administered. I look forward to the paper organizing and conducting this project. Surely “Our Great Gulf” is not as big as the difference between heaven and hell. Ha, Ha!
BOB TUTTLE, CUMMING
Blacks sick of racial carousel
Someone said, “Life is like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs.” For blacks in this country, life is more like a carousel, going round and round. Black people are not interested in having another conversation on race. We’ve had these time and again that end up in the same place. And, generally speaking, police are not the problem. Police agencies and its officers are manifestations of the larger body politic and community. If the community is fearful and xenophobic, there’s a good chance that the agency and its officers will be the same. But of course, it’s all President Obama’s fault; he plays the so-called “race card.” In fact, the only thing he’s done is have the audacity to think that race relations could be enhanced by his setting an example as president. I guess he was wrong.
RONALD JOHNSON, AUSTELL, RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVE
