Mr. Dickinson’s Editorial

Dear Editor:

I am writing in regards to the editorial column composed by Mr. Dickinson in your latest edition of the Commonwealth Times. I would like to take issue with a few of his points and express how disappointing it is to read such slanted and name calling material. First of all, I would like to point out that less than 1/3 of his article addressed his headline and the rest was used as a battering ram against the Bush administration. That’s disappointing.

Secondly, the Patriot Act to which Mr. Dickinson refers must be passed into law by Congress and must be re-enacted into law by that same legislature. It is not the President’s responsibility to roll over legislation. Calling Bush out on this issue is ignorant.

Thirdly, as far as “NASCAR Dads” and “uneducated country folk” I find those terms to be a little insulting and harsh. My father is a “NASCAR Dad” and he attends any race he can. He grew up in North Carolina, the heart of racing. He also holds an Undergraduate degree in business from UNC-Charlotte, a Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest and a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from there as well. He is a practicing minister and has been for 27 years. I myself am a NASCAR fan and recently graduated from VCU, Magna Cum Laude. I am currently pursuing my own Master’s degree. We’re hardly as uneducated and stupid as Mr. Dickinson describes. We’re probably a lot smarter than he is to be quite honest. I expect an apology from the Commonwealth Times and Mr. Dickinson, much like the one that appeared in the same issue regarding Bill Clinton’s book and Mein Kampf. I’m sure the student pictured in the Dale Earnhardt cap earlier in the Commonwealth Times wants an apology as well. The editorial page of a news provider is an opportunity to inform, not an opportunity to insult.

Finally, I’d like to close by referencing Mr. Dickinson’s disdain for Toby Keith’s view on our foreign policy. Personally, When addressing the problems facing this country and the world over the next four years, I’d rather lace up a big fat boot instead of a flimsy, weak flip-flip.

Sincerely,

Derek Stamey
(former Sports Editor of Commonwealth Times)