From the Desk of Terry Lynch

DATE:  Aug. 9, 1998 

FROM: Terry Lynch
      POB 241035
      Montgomery, AL 36124-1035


E-mail: TerryLynch@aol.com

Internet site: The Pyrotechnic Pen



Letter to the Editor

SUBJECT:  Outlaw Racism In Political Advertising 


To achieve real progress racism simply can not be permitted to 
rule our hearts when election time comes.  The best way to insure 
racism is not a factor in future Alabama elections is to take it 
out of the political process.  This can be done by each party, 
Republican and Democrat alike, adopting platforms which forbid 
using racism in advertising.  Then candidates who associate 
themselves with either party will be pledged to support their 
respective antiracism platforms.

Color should not be permitted to play a role in Alabama elections.  
Everyone, regardless of race, should urge their parties to adopt 
platforms denouncing racism in advertising.  Both Republicans and 
Democrats should forbid using racism in advertising.  In fact our 
legislatures should work on laws, similar to antitobacco 
advertising laws, to prohibit the usage of racism in advertising, 
especially in television advertising.  This makes sense since 
racism is every bit as harmful to moral health as is tobacco to 
physical health.

Any candidates who violate new antiracism advertising policies 
should be thrown out of their party.  If the parties won't do it, 
lets band together as voters and do it.  Begin by ousting Mayor 
Folmar and Gov. Fob James from office, especially if no apology 
is forth coming regarding the Arrington-Blont endorsement race 
card issue.

If both parties will adopt antiracism in advertising platforms, 
Alabama can take racism out of future elections.  Then 
politicians and voters can focus upon important issues vital to 
our well being, posterity and the future of our children.

Perhaps this is dreaming, but I believe in the strength of 
character and integrity of all people.  We could make antiracism 
in advertising happen if everyone would do what is morally right 
and kill the race card before it is ever played again in Alabama 
politics.

I urge everyone to write their representatives and urge their 
parties to adopt platforms which effectively forbid and outlaw 
racism in political advertising.  Then if our legislature would 
go one step further and also outlaw racism in political 
advertising, Alabama might truly move forward into a nonracist 
21st century of politics.

Sincerely, Terry Lynch 
Montgomery, AL 




Copyright 1998 by Terry Lynch.  Permission is granted any
newspaper, magazine or online publication to reprint this letter
one time only as a letter to the editor.  All other rights are
reserved.  Please do not print any defamatory remarks, opinions or
other statements against the author in reply or response to this
letter when it is published.