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In your Jan. 18 edition, Michelle Crawford gives her kudos to Fred Chitwood for his courage in assailing the character of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I'm not sure how much courage it takes to write a letter to The Times from the comfort of your home or office. I've never known anyone in their home to have had fire hoses turned on them or attack dogs unleashed on them.
As far as having guts to print the letter, The Times has proven as long as you follow their few guidelines, they will print just about any idiot's letter. I'm living proof of that.
If you want to talk about courage, a better example might be a 42-year-old seamstress who refused to give up her seat in the front of the bus. Four young students in a Woolworth's diner who demanded to be served as the white people they were sitting next to.
My favorite example of courage in my lifetime is Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title for his refusal to be inducted into the U.S. Army on religious grounds. He was denied the ability to fight, to earn a living in the prime of his life, because he had the courage to stand up for what he believed in. He famously said "I ain't got no quarrel with those Viet Cong." He also went on to say "No Viet Cong ever called me a (n-word)."
We all know now which side of history he came out on in that war.
As to why are we deifying a womanizing socialist (Mrs. Crawford's words not mine): A perfect man? No. A great, courageous American? Yes.
Another telling fact: Neither Mr. Chitwood nor Ms. Crawford call Dr. King by name.
Johnny Crumley
Gainesville