Pubdate: Tue, 06 Jan 2004
Source: Ledger-Enquirer (GA)
Copyright: 2004 Ledger-Enquirer
Contact:  http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/enquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/237
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1934/a02.html
Author: Stephen Akinduro
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/racial.htm (Racial Issues)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Kenneth+Walker (Walker, Kenneth)

HUGE IRONY

I could not help but see the huge irony considering the headline of the 
Sunday paper on Dec. 14. If you remember, it was on this morning that all 
the news media were broadcasting the capture of Saddam Hussein. Because his 
capture was such a breaking story Saturday night, it did not make the 
headlines in most Sunday papers across the nation. The Ledger-Enquirer had 
a headline that read "SUV Driver Recounts Fear." This story detailed the 
fears of Warren Beaulah the night of the now infamous shooting of Kenneth 
Walker on I-185.

How ironic that the nation was celebrating the capture of a tyrant who had 
orchestrated several terrorist acts against his own people, and a local 
community was seeking answers after a senseless killing here in our own 
back yard.

When confused about the African-American skepticism to America's invasion 
of Iraq, you need only look at events such as the Kenneth Walker shooting 
for a glimpse of understanding.

It is tough for a people who still face covert acts of oppression in their 
own nation not to feel ambivalent about such a war. This is not to imply 
that I know whether the shooting on I-185 was influenced by race, but it is 
very hard not to think otherwise. This is yet another vivid reminder that 
many of us put on masks of political correctness when it comes to 
authentically discussing issues pertaining to race in America.

STEPHEN AKINDURO, Columbus
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