I have read opinions by E. Maner over the years, but none has been as ridiculous as this one ("Remarks were racially insensitive," Jan. 17) implying that the remarks made by Jimmy Atkins, the Richmond County school board's president, were racially insensitive.
For those of you who missed the letter to the editor, Mr. Atkins referred to Principal Wayne Frazier's physical characteristics, 240 pounds and 6-feet-5, as fitting the right person to get control of a troubled school, Tubman Middle School.
First, I did not know Dr. Frazier was black; I have never met the fine man. I guess any person that is physically gifted is automatically assumed to be black! It seems the racist could be Mr. Maner! Perhaps he got his slogans mixed up -- it's "Black is beautiful," not "Black is big." Mr. Maner needs to get a life!
Anyone with an ounce of common sense would realize, that a large imposing person, black or white, would be more fitted for a job of controlling unruly and occasionally dangerous children. Mr. Maner, and all the other people with not enough to do, should use their time helping people up, not bringing people down who are trying to make a difference!
John H. Capes, Augusta
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.
I agree with Mr. Capes. It was one of the stupidest things I have read lately. There is enough problems in this world without thinking up any new ones. I am a middle aged white woman and you better not call me one !????!
When Mr. Maner stubs his toe, it must turn black & white instead of black & blue. Probably a harmless idle thought by Maner, but shouldn't any blame deserved be placed on the skewed wisdom of the Chronicle staff for publishing the remark in the first place? They exercise choice daily. What WAS their intent anyhow?
Some of the editorials have been downright weird. This one included. What's going on?
What's going on? Good question. Very little, obviously. This gaffe was produced by the same experts who endorsed Whitehead in Augusta last year and endorsed Broun in their Athens newspaper at the same time, believing the readership was too ignorant to ever notice the deceit.
Is a Letter to the Editor the same thing as an editorial? I didn't know that.
dani, I'll say you do have a talent for focusing on the heart of an issue.
The AC brings up a lame horse and now they want us to beat it to death. I am calling PETA for cruel and unusual punishment-to us and the horse.
Whatever. Let Dr. Frazier do his job and let's all just drop it. It really doesn't matter anyway. Agreed?
Well nothing good will come of this. Dr Frazier's insurance company will get wind of his size and his insurance premiums will go up because of the health risks of obesity. Nifty I changed the subject to health insurance. I think that subject has been beat to death also. Let me think............
E. Maner is the racist!! She is one of those people that sit around and look for ways to create an issue. I didn't realize Mr. Frazier was black. Hopefully he will create a better environment for the children at this school.
I don't find the AC culpable for any blame relating to the Maner LTE. They publish LTEs so we can comment on them. Most disagreed with Mr Maner and said so. Now more of us get to say it again. Seems like the system is working.
Well of course I didn't think about racism!!There are no races. That is the first step. Change your mind and maybe your heart will follow. Still we can embrace our heritage and nationality but we are all just human and little appreciable difference between us except in certain health risks. There are genetic markers that can describe the evolutionary history of a population but they have no inherent attributes that are positive or negative.
Redeemed by PT decree. The Chronicle will be relieved. Have to admit you made a legitimate point, however.
Does it really matter what race the Principal is? It seems that the school board hired the best qualified person, with out regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, handicap, or sexual orientation. The EEOC would be proud. I am proud. By the way I do not which of the above caterogories that Dr. Frazier may fall into a protected class, but as I said does it really matter?
If they hired any man as principal for his size, so that he could be respected, the system is already in trouble. That is called intimidation, not respect. Hopefully he has other traits such as intelligence, problem-solving ability, self-discipline, caring, tolerance and patience. Those are what earn REAL respect. If he doesn't, we'll soon be back at square one and it STILL won't matter what race he is.
Ooops, I misread and thought it was an editorial. Ha