As an observer of how people act, react and think, it is usually something radical that gets to me. I think of an old saying from my parents: “Fools’ names, like fools’ faces, are always seen in public places.” The saying never really became clear until I read the recent reports of foolish people doing foolish things in public places.

The Times on May 31 carried coverage of a group of Dems (as they were called) from Lumpkin county coming into Hall County to protest, of all things, a town hall meeting by Rep. Doug Collins. A woman named Marisa Pyle, along with her group of protesters, demanded Collins set a date for a town hall meeting this summer.

Let me point out we just passed Memorial Day and summer does not officially end until Sept. 21. I’d say Collins has more than three months to set a town hall meeting, at which point I have no doubt he will address any issues of merit.

The Times ran an article on June 2 in direct opposition to that of the protesters. Mrs. Betty Ray, a retired schoolteacher, planned to walk for 10 days (100 miles) to raise awareness and financial support for Focus summer camp scholarships for autistic children. I’d say this is immensely commendable. Not a fool in a public place by any account, but a well-intended and positive effort on behalf of a worthy program. Good for you, Betty, and thank you for your compassion.

Look at the two objectives: One a disruptive display of wasted time and energy, the second an unselfish and productive effort to benefit those with a disability. Both events are equally protected by the Constitution, but what a difference in the mindset: radical vs. reasonable.

Howard Peters
Gainesville