Cross discussion brings out nasty attacks
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Jason Patterson Editor & PublisherThe response to the issue of Bentonia being forced to remove the crosses from the water tower has been eye-opening.
I expected a passionate reaction, particulary from Yazoo County residents, but the many vulgar and abusive comments from people with no Yazoo connection was shocking.
After our front page story on the issue and editorial in Saturday’s edition, we published a photo of the cross along with an opportunity for supporters to have their name added to a petition protesting the ACLU’s involvement in the matter that will be published in The Herald. When I started writing this column 504 people had joined the list.
I also expected, and welcomed, some debate from the other side of the issue, but I never imagined what was to come. I was out of town over the weekend to attend my wife’s grandmother’s funeral and disconnected from the Internet world. Battling insomnia in our hotel room, I decided to check The Herald’s facebook page and see if anyone else had commented on the issue.
The first thing I saw was a private message from a reader alerting me that offensive comments had been posted. Further investigation revealed things worse than I had imagined.
Apparently an organized effort was taking place because all of a sudden there were a number of new visitors from out of state who were aggressively attacking anyone who defended the crosses in Bentonia.
We welcome reasonable debates, and there was a lot of that taking place. But there were also a lot of people who joined just to make vulgar comments about Christianity, negative and ignorant comments about Mississippi in general or abusive comments toward those supporting the crosses in Bentonia.
They clearly delighted in offending Christians, and the only thing they really contributed to the discussion was that it gave Christians a real look at some of the people they’re up against today. I spent the next hour deleting comments that were totally inappropriate.
They were also uninformed.
Had they bothered to read the actual news story, they would know that the town of Bentonia has no intention of taking the issue to court and hopes that the crosses can be displayed on private property. Bentonia Police Chief Edward Ferrell was quoted in the story saying that the town would comply with the law.
In addition to the news coverage, we also gave our opinion on the subject on the editorial page. The response on our facebook page suggests that many of our readers share our point of view, and we were happy to give them a forum to make their stance known.
Those who disagree with us are always welcome to join the debate, but those who merely logged on to make vulgar jokes and hurl insults from afar really should consider finding something productive to do with their lives.
Since they’re so fiercely dedicated to separation of church and state, I suggest ridding themselves of all that offensive currency that states “In God We Trust” on every bill. I’ll be glad to dispose of it for them.
Dear Editor,
The decision by the present school board not to renew the teaching and coaching contract of Mr. Archie Carlyle was a planned and calculated act of politics. This kind of thing has been happening for years.
They didn’t follow policies or procedures in this matter. The state’s report on the district asked the board to stop interfering in this kind of situation, but it seems they didn’t get the memo.
My mother always put her 11 children first in making decisions for their futures. It is clear this board did not do that.
Mr. Carlyle’s only crime was putting his students first. I feel like Jesus, when he told the people at the well, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I and the 800 people who have signed the petition calling for Carlyle’s return can find no fault in his dedication to our community. We are being laughed at across the state, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Our community is losing faith in our ability to work in a productive and successful district. The Yazoo Herald’s sports editor called it a “travesty.” I ask the question, where are all those Christian folks, his co-workers, his pastor and his fellow church members?
Where are the athletes, past and present, and most of all where are the parents? He has mothered and fathered when you were unable to make it to a game or on the road, giving your children heart-to-heart talks of motivation and encouragement both in the halls of our schools and on the streets of this community. Now he deserves your support in this critical matter.
This affects us all, black and white, because the future of our community is at stake. I am asking everyone to show as much concern about this matter as they do during election time.
Mr. Clifton Jones, I sat on the school board when you and your wife in a 3 to 2 vote were denied what you rightfully deserved. When you first ran for alderman you were the only politician I ever spent an entire day with, walking the streets because I believed in you. When I ran for mayor as an independent, I endorsed McArthur Straughter in the primary. Many people thought I was crazy, but I was exercising my rights.
Mr. Aubry Brent Jr., I followed you from Vicksburg to Belzoni and saw people commit perjury to defeat you. When citizens support a candidate, they want something in return. As a citizen with the 800 petitioners, we are calling in our wager. Just get the record of the board of that decision, which is public record. Check the timeline of the action, and you will be amazed. Next month you will appoint or reappoint a board member, but before you do we deserve answers.
If you find me wrong I will come back and sit before you and the school board and give a public apology. Everyone deserves their day in court, and Mr. Carlyle certainly does.
What you do or don’t do will determine the caliber of teachers and coaches willing to come into our community and work with our children.
Johnny Staples
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