To the Editor:

Wow. I understand why the Franklin school system is still having racial problems. The bashing taken by David Benton in your “‘Insensitive’ remarks draw ire,” (Feb. 6) just goes to show that people are more concerned with seeking out any comments they can twist into racist than they are with improving the standards of learning for their children.

It is very obvious by reading the article that Mr. Benton was trying to do what is best for the students and trying to make the Franklin School system a better place to learn.

Yes, maybe the choice of the word “ghetto” was harsh, but I could clearly see what he was trying to convey. The issue he pointed out is not a black or white issue; it is a fad that is popular with the youth today that started on the streets, and he just pointed out that it should be left out of the classroom. Big deal. There have always been fads in society that were not acceptable in a school environment and, up until now, have been “off limits.”

The big issue is Mr. Benton is trying to come up with ideas that might help rather than sitting back and letting the kids run the school. I thought that was the responsibility of being a school board member.

I had hoped with the recent election of a black president that, maybe somehow, we could move on as a society that was not so bogged down with black and white issues. I realize why we have such a hard time finding politicians that will take a stand for what is right, rather than what is politically correct. It is not worth the backlash and the criticism from the people who don’t see things the exact way that you do.

I just wish we had more politicians willing to stand up for improving our society rather than giving in to the wants of those looking out for themselves. Kudos to Mr. Benton. Keep standing up for what you feel is right.

Oh, by the way, I also found amusement and amazement in the sensitivity of the “chicken dinner” remark. Excuse me? Did I read that right? You can’t recommend having a chicken dinner for fear of being dubbed a racist? How do you think Italians feel about the pizza remark?

All I can say is, if you are serving food, call me.

Clarke Fox

Capron