[EllaMinnow]

I just recognized Mr. Hooper. He went to the same Catholic school I went to. As a matter of fact, his older brother was in my class.
I think that his parents were both professors at FAMU.

I had no idea that he grew up in an all-black neighborhood, and I strongly doubt that pick-ups complete with Confederate flags and gun-racks raced through his neighborhood very often. I certainly didn't see them in my mixed neighborhood.

[stainlessbanner]

Thanks for the info it clears up a lot. He is upholding a common misconception of Southerners. Many minorities attend SCV/UDC meetings - had he gone to speak with the attendees, I'm sure they would have greeted him respectfully. He may have even learned something! The p/u truck, CBF line is old Dean material - rehash.

[epow]

I strongly doubt that pick-ups complete with Confederate flags and gun-racks raced through his neighborhood very often. I certainly didn't see them in my mixed neighborhood

Nor did I, and I was living in FL at that same time period. I think Ernie has a highly imaginative memory.

I also think his memory is highly selective. I don't remember seeing any trucks or cars flying Confederate flags in the city where I lived during that time. But I do remember very well the plumes of smoke rising from American cities where mobs of rioters were using racism as an excuse to burn buildings, loot stores, and beat to death white motorists who happened to blunder into their neighborhoods. If any kids should have been afraid of another race at that time it should have been white kids who lived in or near black urban neighborhoods. They had much more reason to fear a rioter carrying a brick than black kids had reason to fear a truck flying a piece of cloth.

[G.Mason]

Re: your #21

Whether he did or did not see p/u trucks bearing the Confederate Battle flag he has the same old tired axe to grind.

I know not if he writes of black on black problems, but he is beating a dead mule with this.

The sad thing is there are many black achievements and black persons of integrity to write about and be positive.

This kind of article serves simply to divide, which is exactly the intent.