Dispatch deserves thorns
I have been a subscriber to The Dispatch since I move to Columbus in 1965 and always had respect for Birney Imes Sr. as being a leader in our community. Even though I may not have agreed with him all the time I felt that he always wanted what was best for Columbus and all its people. I considered Mr. Imes to be a good friend who always listened to reason and appreciated all the constructive comments when suggestions were presented to him. But the leadership in the Dispatch most recently has NOT lived up to the standards that Mr. Imes followed during his many years as publisher.
An example of bad judgment, is the cartoon in the opinion page on Friday, July 6. It shows total disrespect to our fine police officers, who dedicate their lives to protecting all the citizens of Columbus, including the person who is responsible for this outrageous cartoon. We have many fine men and women, black and white officers in the Columbus Police Department and most of the time they deserve a pat on the back and not a kick in the rear.
I feel that you owe Chief Lewis and the entire Columbus Police Department an apology for this cartoon being published in the Dispatch. On the surface it might have been funny for the person who made the decision to print this picture but there is nothing funny about this cartoon. With the tensions of all that is going on around our country this does not help and in my opinion does a lot of harm and gives them more ammunition to justify the actions that are taking place throughout the country.
I would like to nominate The Dispatch for a rosebush full of thorns for printing such an inflammatory cartoon.
We all need to keep ALL first responders in our prayer as they serve and protect each of us in Columbus and Lowndes County.
Fred Bell
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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