Your Viewpoint
Time to face the facts on racism
By WILLIE J. RAWLS Jasper

In last week's edition of The Jasper Newsboy, there was an article 'Racism - big deal out of small issue.'

The writer Andrew Kier said he does not think racism exists. And he also said that racism isn't racism unless Al Sharpton or Rev. Jessie Jackson says so.

Facts are black people and any other race of people know racism when they see it or hear it. And if you think the only way black people will know racism is when Sharpton or Jackson says so - then you are very wrong.

Facts are black people have common sense and wisdom to know racism when they see it.

The writer said he did not think racism played a role in the James Byrd Jr. death. Facts are they didn't drag Byrd to death because they loved him. The writer said that Byrd was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Facts are Shawn Berry was on 60 Minutes II television show and said while John Williams and Bill King were in prison, King had written him several letters. And Berry said that King was saying hateful things about black people. Berry said that he did not answer any of King's letters.

Facts are Berry already knew his friends King and Brewer did not like black people. So, why would he stop to give Byrd a ride?

All Berry had to do was to pass Byrd by and let him walk a safe walk home.

Facts are Byrd was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Facts are Berry, Brewer and King took him to the wrong place at the wrong time.

Racism is what it is; when they decided to drag Byrd it was of their own will.

A life you cannot ever give back. James Byrd was killed simply because he was black.

Letters to editor

criteria outlined

The Jasper Newsboy would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you. All Letters to the Editor should be accompanied with the writer's name and daytime telephone number for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published, but the author's name will be.

Under no circumstances will the author's name be withheld.

All letters are subject to editing for newspaper style and clarity, without changing the meaning of the content.

Letters should be limited to 300 words.

Letters endorsing or opposing political candidates are considered political advertising and will be forwarded to the advertising department.

Deadline for letters is 10 a.m. Monday to be published in the following Wednesday's publication.

Mail letters to: The Jasper Newsboy P.O. Box 1419 Jasper, Texas 75951-1419 or e-mail to: jgalvan@jaspernewsboy.com