Editor:

In his letter to the editor in Sunday's Statesboro Herald, Robert E. Snyder. Jr., I believe, gave an example of why America is still faced with such turmoil, when race relations are considered.

The letter completely stereotypes an entire race by saying people with their pants down around their thighs and hats pulled 30 degrees off center, talking loud, are African-Americans. He wrote in his letter that he "shall attempt to present the view from the other end of the telescope."

The remainder of this letter will use those points of view to illustrate problems in our nation.

It is the reason young white kids say, "I can't dunk a basketball, I'm white."

It is the reason I hear the words, "I didn't know you listen to country music."

It is the reason that a young man in Florida was shot to death because a white man felt threatened by the loud music coming from his SUV.

It is the reason why Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.

It is the reason there is a need for Black History Month, to remind us that there are people working daily to maintain a level of superiority from years past.

It is the reason the old lady clutches her purse when I walk past, although I may have twice what she has in her purse, in my ash tray.

It is a disease, a cancer that continues to rip our souls.

It is the reason that flag that carries so much pain to so many people but is still accepted, and the mumbling of "just get over it" seems to be the way of the Deep South.

It is creating a new generation of Bull Connors, a new Dynamite Bob Chambliss, a new Apartheid and new Jim Crow laws.

It is the new 1904 Statesboro, Georgia. The Statesboro that pulled two convicted black men away from the custody of the local police and took them and burned them alive; yeah, that's right burned them alive.

Mr. Jonathan McCollar, they are not your friends if they continue to offend your heritage by making you feel comfortable with that heritage.

As for the new America, I applaud you both black and white for doing what is right. Our Constitution guarantees the right to redress grievances, and you did what had to be done.

Don't get it confused. America works off of capital; she cannot live without it. If you feel like you are not welcome at an establishment, then neither should your money.

As Mr. Snyder used Scripture, I, too, will leave you with one: "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do."

Randall Walker
Statesboro