CNHI
Somerset —
Dear Editor:
Concerning the article Difference of Opinion in the Wednesday edition of the Commonwealth Journal, I am glad to see a seasoned newspaper man wrote this article. Therefore, I can expect the quotes to be accurate.
Might I add that I have never written a letter to a newspaper before. However, this is very compelling.
How on earth can this Sheriff Shoemaker even pretend to have an unbiased opinion, when he repeatedly refers to the victim not as Mr. Fleagle or Daniel or even Fleagle, but Indian? Are you kidding me? Should we say that this is a disagreement between the Indian and the Hillbilly? Or how about the Indian and the Honky? Or the Cracker?
Yet Sheriff Shoemaker refers to the accused as Cliff or Cliff Epperson. The article indicates that Sheriff Shoemaker has a previous relationship with the accused. He served Mr. Epperson with foreclosure documents. So, in Sheriff Shoemaker's eyes, if you have some hard luck it's OK to become an obnoxious neighbor?
Maybe, just maybe, if Sheriff Shoemaker would make an attempt at mediation; bringing neighbors together to problem solve, this area of Wayne County would not be so problematic. I can understand that Mr. Epperson could be upset to see someone else living on property he once owned. Would he feel better if no one bought it and it became over run with creatures and weeds? Is that what the county needs, more neglected properties? How about Mr. Fleagle, could he make more attempts at communicating with his neighbors before he calls the law?
Yes, I can hear people say how idealistic is that? We will never know if we don't try a more civilized way to solve disagreements. Just about anything is more appropriate than the shootout suggested by Sheriff Shoemaker that ends this article, I quote, "When the s**t hits the fan, I tell people they better be armed if they need to protect themselves. It can take me a while to get out there."
When I read about these attitudes that continue to prevail in our country I am saddened. Yet my sadness is nothing compared to the economic impact that these problems create. As Pulaski, Wayne, Casey, Laurel Counties are struggling to bring in new businesses, recruit much needed doctors and other professionals these are the very attitudes that turn people away. New people, new business brings economic development that benefits the entire community. Do we continue to read of such ridiculous situations and shake our heads? Or do we ask more of our government officials AND ourselves to create a better environment for all regardless of race, politics, religion or economic standing?
Nancy Holland
Nancy KY 42544
