FROM: Terry Lynch@aol.com; POB 241035; Montgomery, AL 36124-1035 
Phone: (334) 272-4217 voice  (334) 277-3582 fax via arrangement

DATE:  July 21, 1998 

TO:  Letter to the Editor      

SUBJECT:  Will Wallace Recant Segregation Forever?

What is truth and how close to a political figure do we, the 
public, as private citizens have to be before we know that 
politician?  In letter to the Advertiser 7/30/96 it was 
suggested that I do not know former Gov. George C. Wallace.  But 
is that true?

I am quite familiar with the political career of George C. 
Wallace, not the made for television movie version, but the real 
life version.  I know, for example, that Wallace was a 
segregationist and will probably remain a segregationist until 
the day he dies.  And I know that to be a segregationist and to 
stand in the school house door to prevent black people from 
integrating an all white university, that you have to be pretty 
firm in your convictions.  I call that being racist, especially 
if this is done to win votes and keep black people from obtaining 
political power.

I also know that Wallace was a powerful and charismatic speaker. 
His speeches aroused and motivated the people of Alabama and 
supporters nationwide.  Wallace was a champion of white 
segregationists, and even if Wallace says he did not hate black 
people, he aroused, motivated and nourished the hatred which 
festered in many of his most staunch supporters.  That hatred 
carries over to the present day social segregation of many 
private schools, churches and communities.

It might even be postulated that George C. Wallace bares some 
indirect responsibility for the killings of Rev. Martin 
Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
I believe their fanatical killers were motivated by racism and the white 
power ethic which was stimulated by Wallace's speeches.

When George C. Wallace dies I will cry no tears nor mourn for him.  
However, should the old man, grown wise, recant his "segregation 
forever" decree and denounce social segregation in private 
schools, churches and communities and make this decree public by 
publishing it widely, he might go down in history as a truly 
great man.  Otherwise any fond memory of him will blow away in 
the wind, leaving only the blood stains of those who fought, died 
and marched to end "segregation forever."  That is the truth, not 
because I say it is so, but because if Wallace goes to his grave 
without recanting and redeeming himself in this manner, humanity 
will not forgive him, even if his maker does.

The fact that I point this out is not to offend a dying man, but 
to reveal a truth and offer a blessing in disguise.  I wonder if 
he will see it or just think that I lie?

Sincerely, Terry Lynch 
Montgomery, AL