What we know about how killing can happen
You and I were not there the evening that Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman encountered one another. We do not know everything that transpired.
There are some things we do know.
We know that wearing a hoodie is not a crime punishable by death. We know that walking down a street with a package of candy is not just cause for being shot and killed.
We know that when harsh or fearful words are exchanged, when a scuffle breaks out or when a punch is thrown, such actions are not offenses which justify killing.
We know that too often we allow prejudice and misunderstanding to impair our judgment. We give license for our fears to erupt in violence too easily.
We grieve as one nation because two families are in turmoil and pain — and needlessly so.
Two lives need not have been so drastically changed and damaged. Alternative means for resolving conflict, disagreement and fearful situations were and are available.
We know that we are called by all that is holy, true and just to take our place alongside the victims and perpetrators of violence and proclaim, “Enough!” If we do not stand together, we will surely fall apart.
Praise God that there is an alternative way to being.
James L. Brewer-Calvert, senior pastor, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Decatur
‘From the right’ is a welcome addition
I have been a subscriber to your newspaper for approximately 40 years.
I want to compliment you on the recent addition of the editorial cartoon “From the right.”
It is truly refreshing to see the other side of the coin in your newspaper, which I have enjoyed through the years.
I (along with many conservative friends and acquaintances) hope you will expand on including conservative material.
I know liberals would resent it — but we all should be willing to entertain the idea that we are not always right and that others may also have an opinion.
James H. Edwards, Hampton
School cheating series great journalism
Regarding the paper’s recent coverage of and research on school test scores, this is great work — and evidence again that America’s newspapers are the greatest source for confronting the problems of our democracy.
I hope residents of Atlanta realize what the newspaper is doing for them with this type of investigation.
Taking it to the next step by looking nationwide is truly a service for the country, and I hope it gets the recognition the staff has earned for such a huge pursuit.
You all will (I hope) be thanked by receiving the highest journalism awards.
Keep them honest.
Lewis Murray, Stone Mountain
