To the editor:

In the May 3rd edition of the Laurel Leader-Call, the NAACP voiced their views on something that was written in another paper concerning the murder of a Hispanic man for less than $5. Their views were published on the front page with pictures of a meeting they held because they were offended at the other newspaper’s comments.

Linda Watson was quoted as saying “It was blown up to more than what it should have been.” Ms. Watson, I do not think the young Hispanic man would agree with that view you have. He is dead and was murdered by a group of black men for less than $5.

No, the seriousness of this was not blown out of proportion. Perhaps the members of the NAACP should view things in the true context of what they really are. I can only imagine how this young man’s family and loved ones must have felt when they read this and I hope they remember that this attitude is brought to us by the local Chapter of the NAACP.

I wonder if this had been a black man murdered by 5 white or Hispanic bullies if she would have had the same view on this? I can tell you right now the NAACP would have had the FBI, CIA, and several troops of Boy Scouts hunting the men who committed this terrible act. I know cause I was here in the 1960’s and the society we live in now in the South is what the NAACP asked for, well we got it now so we have to live in it.

Violence when committed by either race is not justified and organizations like the NAACP should not try to justify it as just a bump in the road.

We were told on page A3 that the NAACP vision is “to have a society in which all individuals have equal rights.” Then why does the NAACP name stand for the National Association For the Advancement of Colored People ? What about the white people, the Hispanic people, the Asian people, the Indian people, why aren’t they included in the name ?

Since the Leader-Call has given us the information about how to join this wonderful organization I think we should also be told how to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Klan, Mafia and the other organizations. The NAACP got a lot of good press out of this and a chance to justify the actions of murders nationwide (society made them do it). Sorry, I don’t believe it.

— Larry Jones

Sandersville