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Elections, Guns, ‘Divisive Concepts’ and More Letters From Readers

Trump Incited the Jan. 6 Mob

Sometimes we need to look into the trees to see the forest. In this heated campaign season, it’s difficult to dig through all the conflicting stories to see the bigger picture. But once in a while, the smallest event can provide the greatest clarity.

We all know what happened on Jan. 6, 2021: The Capitol in Washington, DC was stormed by a mob of our fellow citizens. In the aftermath there have been accusations, investigations and, yes, criminal convictions of many of the rioters. Throughout it all, Donald Trump has maintained his innocence as instigator of the event. Indeed, during the recent presidential debate, former President Trump stated he had “nothing to do with” the attack. He wants us to think he was simply a neutral bystander.

“Peacefully and patriotically, I said during my speech,” is how he characterized his instructions to the rally attendees, attempting to paint himself as a neutral observer. But he went on to reveal where he truly stands when he added “Ashli Babbitt was shot by an out-of-control police officer that should have never, ever, shot her. And nobody on the other side was killed.”

Let’s step back and review. Babbitt was a rally attendee who forcefully stormed and entered the Capitol. She was subsequently shot by a United States Capitol Police officer while attempting to climb through a shattered window leading to the speaker’s lobby. She later died of her wound in a local hospital. (In actuality, Donald Trump does not acknowledge the deaths of police officers from the attack; one officer died the following day from two strokes, and four later died of suicide in the months following the riot.)

To Trump, on Jan. 6 there were two “sides” engaged in battle in the Capitol. A supporter on his “side” was killed while storming the building. The “other side” included the Capitol Police and others who attempted to protect the building. Nothing to do with the attack? Not so fast—his very words reveal his actions and true allegiance.

Richard Burt

Athens

Words Aren’t Enough

In the aftermath of the Barrow County high-school shooting, mountains of comments were posted. Words will not correct this unacceptable, heartbreaking situation. 

I found state Sen. Frank Ginn’s words disturbingly short-sighted. Ginn said, “Firearms are not the enemy. The enemy is the mentally deranged.” 

This lame Republican response is not working. Instead, firearm safety and mental illness need expert solutions. We must get started with adequate funding and early education. Elect thoughtful leaders who fight to protect our children and our communities from gun violence. 

A common-sense change to Georgia’s gun laws is if there are minor children in your home, guns must be locked-up and inaccessible without adult supervision.

In addition, schools and parents must be proactive in preventing bullying. Our legislative leaders need to fund mental health screening, services for victims and treatment for bullies.

Jeanne Peck

Danielsville 

Turn Anger Into Action

It’s been a month since the shooting at Apalachee High School. What emotions have you felt since then? Perhaps, like me, you have gone through several stages. My first response was shock—a violent, senseless tragedy took place in the high school closest to the one my granddaughter attends. Sorrow quickly followed. The more I learned about the victims—Richard Aspinwall, Cristina Irimie, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo—the more I understood what a loss the community suffered. The next weeks brought depression. Do we simply add Apalachee’s tragedy to the 400 mass shootings that have happened already this year? Is Apalachee destined to be just another statistic? 

Underneath that depression lies anger. With sensible, effective legislation in place, there’s a good chance the shooting might never have happened. Most Georgia voters want stricter gun safety laws, but our elected representatives refuse to heed our wishes.  

Let’s turn anger into action. Let’s make sure our state legislators and federal representatives know we hold them responsible for defeating reasonable legislation that would end the senseless killing. Their negative votes have left a trail of tragedy. 

Barbara Burt 

Athens 

Repeal ‘Divisive Concepts’ Law

The Athens, Atlanta and Savannah branches of the Association for the Study of African merican Life And History (ASALH) decry the recent attack on the teaching of Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies in Georgia schools. However, the outcry that pressured the State Superintendent of Education to fully rescind his decision to deny support and AP credit for the course is indicative of the greater problem: The contradictory and repressive “divisive concept” law (HB 1084) signed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2022. 

Woods claimed, without due diligence, that AP African American Studies violates this law, adding to the confusion and frustration that this law has caused. Though the law pretends to defend open academic inquiry and the constitutional right to free speech, it actually serves as a means to suppress that which it claims to defend. African American history and culture is American history and culture. It augments the study of American history by including that which has been traditionally underrepresented. As with any history, there is tragedy as well as triumph. African American history and culture is much more than the study of enslavement, but that terrible history must be truthfully included. It cannot be whitewashed. And the contribution African Americans have made to American culture cannot be understated. A truthful and forthright examination of any subject should cause some discomfort: No one should feel comfortable reading The Diary of Anne Frank or learning about the Trail of Tears; but rather than shame, the usual response to gaining knowledge of these events lends clarity to the understanding of the human condition today.

The repeal of the “divisive concept” law is a necessity. When we look back at the deliberate efforts made to distort our history and promote negative stereotypes of persons of color (which caused and continues to cause extreme psychological distress), telling the full story of not only African Americans, but of all of the world cultures that comprise American history and culture will finally honor the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion that our nation should strive for. Whitewashing and suppression are what is truly divisive.

Sandy Martin, president, ASALH Athens

Sean Jones, president, ASALH Atlanta

Carolyn Blackshear, president, ASALH Savannah Yamacraw

Elect Conolus Scott, Part 1

Conolus Scott got an impressive 38% of the vote in his first run for the 47th Senate District. He only needs 12% to win. Scott is campaigning heavily in precincts likely to produce those needed votes.

As an advocate for gun safety laws, women’s reproductive health, public education, affordable housing and voting rights, Scott offers a welcome contrast to his opponent, Frank Ginn.

As a double-dipping public employee and part-time senator, Ginn has disappointed voters and his government employers alike. Ginn was fired from his last four non-Senate jobs. Commissioners refused to renew Ginn’s contracts, citing poor performance and the fact that he was receiving maximum pay for minimum work. Instead of working hard for voters, Ginn has used his positions to line his own pockets.

As a Republican senator, Ginn has failed to keep our local schools safe from gun violence. Georgia women are dying of treatable miscarriages because the Republican legislature’s abortion ban is too extreme and too confusing.

Republican cruelty has failed to expand Medicaid. They turned down federal funds to feed hungry and malnourished children during the summer.

Scott is a decent, caring man who is running to restore honesty and integrity to District 47. He has spent his life working for a living. He has also made time to serve his community as chair of the local planning commission, as a member of the Pastor’s and Layman’s Association and as a supporter of the food ministry, run by his wife of 56 years, Rebecca Jo Scott. When his children were young, he was a coach.

If you find yourself frustrated and dismayed by Republican cliches like “thoughts and prayers,” and “now is not the time,” vote for a Democrat. Scott cares about and will serve all voters in the 47th District.

Harriet Jenkins Gray

Royston

Elect Conolus Scott, Part 2

I have now completely lost faith in Republicans, mostly Trump and his lies about the heartbreaking tragedy of Hurricane Helene, using them to further his campaign for president. There is no low low enough for Trump, and no Republicans have the courage to step up to call him out except for the Cheneys and a precious few others. It’s time for a critical change in America.

Corrupt Republican Frank Ginn sure hasn’t stepped up with his long sordid history during his overlong tenure in the 47th Senate District of Georgia. I have been looking at his opponent, Conolus Scott, for some time now. Conolus Scott strikes me as a genuinely honest and sincere man whose background in managing large numbers of people with both fairness and strength would serve us well. He understands firsthand the needs of rural areas as well as urban areas. Conolus Scott would be the breath of fresh air we all so very much need now. Turn this miserable tide and vote for Conolus Scott to return decency and integrity to Georgia.

Virginia Moss

Ila

Georgia’s Gun Laws

As a current graduate student at the University of Georgia’s Masters of Social Work program and a 2020 alumnus of North Oconee High School in Bogart, I am devastated by the recent school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, a school only 22 minutes from my home. A school I often visited for sports games and events. A school and community living with the aftermath of a heinous act.

I find myself saddened, enraged and frustrated at the lack of gun control throughout the state of Georgia. On a recent weekend in North Georgia, I found myself shocked by the easy accessibility of gun sales, the weapons sitting unlocked and easily in reach of customers, from bait shops to pharmacies. In Georgia, we have some of the weakest gun laws in the United States. In April of 2022, Gov. Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 319, a bill allowing Georgia gun owners to carry a concealed handgun in public without first obtaining a license from the state. Although the federal government requires federally licensed firearms dealers to initiate a background check on the purchaser prior to sale of a firearm, private sellers are not required to do the same. This is extremely disturbing how easy it is to acquire guns in our state. I believe as a state, especially after this horrendous tragedy in our community, we must advocate for stricter gun laws. We must require thorough background checks through private sellers, as well as requiring all citizens to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun in public. I also believe gun owners should be required to go through training in order to ensure they can properly handle and safely store their firearms so that they are not easily accessible to children.

I believe in the second amendment and the right to bear arms as a constitutional right. I do not believe we should completely ban guns in our state or our country. I understand it is a means of protection as well as recreation. What I do believe is our responsibility and civic duty that our children feel safe in schools.

I’m tired of being scared to go to school. I’m tired of looking around my classroom thinking about the best way to get out. I’m tired of looking around thinking where I could hide and what I could use to protect myself. I’m tired of worrying if my dad, a high school teacher in South Georgia, is going to make it home that day.

Georgia, please listen to me. I am so tired.

Avery Hughes

Bogart

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