Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

J. HERB HALL /MH Just Ramblin' . With The Bear Atlanta, Ga.—l first met Race at a party several years ago. It was one of those dufi pro motional affairs. I was standing at one end of the room sipping a watery drink and staring at a paper plate of soggy tidbits and wondering how soon I could make my escape, when a handsome young black man walked over to me. "Hi!" he said, sticking out his hand. “Race.” I shook hands with him, puzzled. "Race?” He grinned broadly. "Yeah. Now I said it, and you said it. So now we can move on an’ talk about other things.” I shook my head. "Man, are you puttin’ me on?” He laughed delightedly. "Yeah, I am. Ac tually, my name is Horace, but I can’t stand that, so everybody calls me ‘Race.’ ” He wink ed. "I know it’s a weird name for a black, but you gotta admit, it’s a hellova conversation starter!" We both laughed, and in that moment a* friendship was born, a friendship that deepen ed and grew over the next few years. Race was a sophomore in college, working that summer as an intern newsman at a televi sion station. “Well, I’m sort of a gofer,” he said when I asked him about his job. “You know, ‘go fer’ this an' ‘go fer’ that. I guess I’m more of a mule than anything else. Most of the time I'm fullin’ cable an' haulin’ cameras around. But 'm learnin' and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s good experience.” It turned out that Race knew me, although I'd never met him. He was acquainted with me through radio and television programs I’d pro duced, and he had a thousand questions, most ly about how to get started in the journalism field. We talked for awhile and I assured him I was certainly no expert, but I’d answer any questions I could. After a time, we went to a small bar, and over several beers and cigaret tes, I answered his questions and became ac quainted with this young man with the unusual name of “Race.” Race himself was unusual, and even in our brief conversation, I had already realized he was brilliant. Bit by bit, his story emerged, and much of it wasn’t pretty. In Alabama, his grandfather was tortured and beaten to death by an enraged mob for allegedly raping a white woman. The man for whom his grandfather worked later came for ward and said it couldn't possibly have been him because he was on the job when the crime was supposed to have been committed. “ 'Course, that didn’t help grandpa much,” Race said. His pregnant grandmother fled in the night, carrying a 2-year-old baby ... Race’s father ... and after walking most of the way, finally arrived in a small South Georgia town. Somewhere along the way, alone and terrified, she gave birth to her second child, a girl two months premature, in a ditch beside the road. In the town, his grandmother was for tunate to find a white woman, an unmarried school teacher, who not only gave her a job as cook and housekeeper, but a room in her home where she and her children could live. They stayed with the school teacher until Race’s father was 10 years old and his sister 8. Then his grandmother used her savings, and with the teacher’s help, bought a small nouse on the edge of town. Tne school teacher, having no family of her own, took a genuine interest in the children. She found they had fine minds and taught them both to read before they started school. She helped them with their lessons and instilled in them an ambition to learn and to succeed. They both graduated from high school. Race’s father became an apprentice brick mason and was praised by his employer for his industry and quickness to learn. The school teacher helped the girl to go on to college, and eventually, she too became a teacher. Race’s father, by then a skilled mason, married a school teacher and they had three children, two boys and a girl. The oldest son was attending college in tne North. He joined a group of young blacks on a “Freedom Ride” into Alabama. There he was beaten viciously and struck over the head with a piece of pipe. He lay in a coma for weeks, and when he final ly regained consciousness, his brain was so damaged he was scarcely functional and even tually had to be placed in an institution. Race’s sister graduated from nursing school and went to work in a Northern hospital, where she vowed never to return to the South. Race was different. He felt, he said, that the South was his home and he had a respon sibility, to himself and to his people, to live and work here and use his abilities to help im prove conditions and opportunities for the macks. 'Excellent Job' Dear Mr. Kirwan: I want to thank you for the fine news article you wrote on NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Regular Election for City Councilmen to fill Seats Nos. 3,4, and 5 will be held on Saturday, November 3, 1979, at the City Hall in Summerville, Georgia. Said elec tion shall be held between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Anyone desiring to qualify may do so beginning October 6, 1979, until Noon, October 20,1979, at the office of the City of Summerville before the City Clerk. This 12th day of September, 1979. Bert K. Self City Clerk jQtteM Me EdR my recent visit to the Summerville-Trion Rotary Club. You did an excellent job of quoting me and in outlining the programs available “After all,” he said, "things aren’t all that great in the North either. They have just as many problems as we do in the South. And in my opinion, they aren’t as capable of handling them as we are. After all, the South fought a war to keep the Blacks in the South. We were at least important to their economy. But in spite of all their big talk and pretentions, the Northerners never wanted us up there, because we were a threat to theirs!” As the years passed, Race’s determination to stay in the South increased. Each summer, he found jobs in Atlanta. Television news, radio stations, one summer he got a job with a small weekly newspaper as a reporter. Com pleting journalism school wasn’t enough for Race. After he was graduated, he went to Boston where he received a law degree, finishing with honors. He got several job of fers ana proudly came back to Atlanta to in terview for one which seemed promising. After the interview, the prospective employer took Race out to dinner, ana before the meal was over, offered him the job. Race accepted. Elated, Race was walking back to his notel when he was suddenly confronted by two men. One held a gun on him, the other took his watch, wallet and all his money. After they robbed him, the man stuck the gun to Race s head and pulled the trigger. The snot should nave killed him, but miraculously, he survived ... to live in a world of darkness. The bullet had destroyed nerves which could never be repaired, ana Race was blind. It blasted bone from his head and face, and Race was horribly disfigured. When he was released from the hospital, he went to his parents’ home, and for two years, he sat, bitter and grieving, stumbling and cur sing his blindness. I visited Race on several occasions during that time, and he said to me, “They were black, man. Black! The dude who snot me said, ‘So long, Brother!’ Brother! An’ then he blew me away!” Finally, despite his terrible hurt and disillusionment, with the help of his friends, his parents and especially his own courage and determination, Race struggled out of his deep depression and again reached out for life. He enrolled in a school for the blind and learned Braille. Later, he went to another school and there he met the closest friend he had ever known, a German Shepherd dog named Sam, with whom Race would spend every waking moment for the next four years. Race returned to Atlanta, but this time things were different. Because of his handicap and nis disfigurement, people were reluctant to hire him, and for a long time he couldn’t have lived without his parents’ help. But Race wouldn’t give up, and finally he began to get work. Mostly part-time jobs at first, then he sold a few free-lance articles. Although he still suffered occasional periods of agonizing depression, slowly his confidence grew. With Sam’s eyes to guide him, he became more in dependent, and finally he landed a job as copywriter for an ad agency. Now his financial existence was assured and Race began to broaden. He sold more articles and began writing a book. After the first few chapters were completed, Race submitted his work to a publishing house. They were excited by what they saw, and not only assured him of publica tion, but sent him a small check for advance royalties. Race was on his way again. Gloriously happy, Race and two friends went out to celebrate at a restaurant near his apartment. They had steaks and shared a bot tle of champaign, then Race started home. As he and Sam approached a dark doorway, Sam gave a low growl which was suddenly cut off. The first blow, with what police later said must have been a piece of pipe, shattered the guide dog’s skull. Then two men came from the doorway and battered Race to the pave ment. When he was found, some time later, he was robbed, unconscious and bleeding, his body lying protectively over Sam’s. I visited Race in the hospital. He lay, star ing sightlessly at the ceiling, and all ne said was, ‘ s They were black, just like me. An’ they laughed. They laughed about killin’ Sam. They laughed when they were hittin’ me!” I sat oy my friend s bed and there was nothing I could say to him. Somehow I knew that the most vital thing in Race’s life ... the thing that was Race, had finally been destroyed I went back to the hospital two days later and Race had been discharged. I called his apartment for two days. There was no answer, and I finally realized he’s probably gone to his parent’s home to recuperate. When I called, nis mother answered the phone, and I asked if Race was there. In a leaden voice, she answered, “No, Race isn’t here. Race is gone.” “Gone? Gone where?” "Race hanged himself two days ago.” through FmHA to help the people of Chattooga County. We appreciate the fine rela tionship we have with you there and if I can ever be of service, please advise. Sincerely, Jerry W. Braden District Director Farmers Home Ad ministration Men In Sheets: They Cause Hurt Dear Editor: I can’t help to think of so many groups of people who are just causing trouble and hurt. Also the people who give them nickles and dimes to keep going. Who are the guilty ones? The ones who march or the ones who give? When you see what Jerry Lewis has done. He don t look to see the color of their skin. Only that they are human. I have not seen the big strong handsome wrapped in sheets men giving their time and cash to help. Do they have children? What will they do if one News Starvation Sets In The dry spell between col umns is due to an added responsibility. In addition to teaching, I am now the faculty editor of the Northern Arizona University newspaper, The Lumberjack. The Lumberjack is a weekly with a circulation of 9,000 and, now that we have cranked out our fourth issue this semester, I will try to write columns again on a regular basis. This morning (Sunday) when I opened my Arizona Republic (the Arizona equivalent of the Atlanta Journal) President Jimmy Carter was staring me in the face. There on the front of THE Arizona Sunday newspaper was an article about tne President’s attempt to run a 6.2 mile, 10,000 meter race. It seems the President col lapsed, from heat exhaustion after about four miles. A doc tor ordered the President not to finish the race. President Carter has been running for about a month. His best time for 6.2 miles is about 50 minutes. I don’t know what criteria the editor’s of The Arizona Republic used to determine what is newsworthy, but, in my opinion, the story about the President should not have been on the front page. The front page is usually reserved for tne most important stories. It would make sense to run the story in the sports section but not on the front page. The story painted a psychological picture of Carter as a LOSER. He is not a loser. Anyone who runs four miles is a winner. Especially, someone who runs four miles uphill and the Catoctin Moun tain course the President ran is an uphill course. Certainly, one criteria for newsworthiness is pro minence, and the President is prominent. However, there is a difference between the pro fessional and personal ac tivities of a prominent person. In my mind, this race was definitely in the private, per sonal category. At a time when journalists are struggling with Supreme Court decisions that threaten our access to information, it is important for journalists to provide an example of respon sible news coverage. In my opinion, a news story about tne President’s personal ac tivities printed in a deprecating manner on the top of the front page of a ma jor newspaper is not responsi ble news coverage. This story follows on the heels of the "killer rabbit” story that ran on the AP wire and was printed all over the 1 country. Please note, I do not suggest these stories should not have been printed. I do suggest they should have been placed in the proper perspective and used accor dingly. For example, the story just below Carter’s story was about the denial of U.S. aid for the Chrysler Corporation. If Chrysler folds, or falters millions of Americans will be affected. Isn’t that more im jjortant than President Jim my’s weekend athletic activi ty? Fortunately, most weekly newspapers have a communi ty approach to the news. becomes crippled with M. S.? How sad God must feel when He looks down. And what will happen when he is sending for us? When they see a black man will they say, "Throw him out!” I wonder who will go. Or what will be said? But there is a book they can read. And if they would read it, they would know NO MAN is bet ter than the other. And the man who thinks he’s better is either jealous, dumb and so very stupid. All that wasted energy could be helping the aged and crippl ed ana give the sheets for their beds. They need them. It hurts me that I’m too old and ill to be involved as I did in the past. It hurts. Good luck Jerry. Sincerely, Lola McLester Lyerly Why? Dear Editor, .1 saw in last week’s issue of The Summerville News where vandals had smashed and broken nearly a hundred stones. It just broke my heart. I have friends and relatives buried there. •If they are caught, I think they should have to work and pay for all the damage. Why will people do this? It seems the dead can’t even rest now. Thank you, Mr. Ernest Morris Chickamauga perc^Jp^igM^ By George Taylor Generally, the news is a time ly report of interest to, or that will affect, the newspaper’s readers. The best news is of in terest to or affects, the most readers. 1 can't see how Jimmy’s four-mile run is Agriculture Today If you’ve been thinking about buying a farm for a “cheap" place to live in the wake of those sharply increased real estate prices in the city and suburb, better think again. U.S. farmland prices increased an average of 14 percent last year. And, that’s about the average annual rate tney’ve increased since 1972. Fact is, farmland prices have doubled since 1970. Sharpest increases during this past year were in California, where farmland went up 23 percent; Nebraska, where it went up 22 percent and in both Arizona and Colorado, where it increased 21 percent. Farmland prices also went up 20 percent in Ohio, 18 percent in Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina; and 17 per cent in South Carolina, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Sharpest increases in farmland prices since 1970 have come in lowa, up 317 percent; Illinois, up 312i>ercent; and Wisconsin, up 309 percent. But, they’ve also increased 299 percent since 1970 in In diana, 290 percent in Ohio, 270 percent in Pennsylvania, 271 percent in Pennsylvania, 271 percent in Delaware, 264 percent in West Virginia, 260 percent in Wisconsin and 251 percent in Colorado. Surprisingly, the smallest percentage increase since 1970 has come in California. Farm prices there have moved up only 74 percent in that nine-year span. As a result of all this, the value per acre of farmland now ranges from a low of SIOO in New Mexico to $2,222 per acre in new Jersey and averages out to $559 per acre nationwide. That figure is up from S4BB per acre a year ago. It’s also more than double the $246 per acre national average of only six years earlier. Farmland now averages $2,158 per acre in Connecticut, $12,33 per acre in Rhode Island, $1366 in Massachusetts, $1,516 in Ohio, $1498 in Indiana, $1,786 in Illinois, and $1,458 in lowa. The value of all the nation’s farm real estate—including land and buildings—is now set at a record $584 billion. That’s up ifrom a previous high of $512 billion a year earlier and $326.6 ; billion of only five years ago. ' The value of all farm buildings is now seen at S9B billion. iThat figure is up from SB7 billion just a year ago and $56.8 (billion five years earlier. Value per unit also now averages out at $580,100 in Wyom ing, $531,400 in Montana, $503,900 in California, $479,000 in Il linois, $476,100 in Colorado, $467,500 in Nevada, $417,000 in New Mexico and $409,700 in lowa. Those averages, of course DO NOT include machinery and livestock. The department says the average farm has 160,000 worth of livestock and machinery. BEFORE AFTER FDRYESP.S FSRUERSI MERCHANTS HRS been iielpinc to MM BETTER FL2ICES FOR US ELL TO LITE. An important part of the full ser- are only one aspect of Farmers & vice provided at Farmers & Mer- Merchants’ complete loan program, chants has always been loans for Loans are available for any wor home improvement. Farmers & thwhile purpose—auto loans, farm Merchants is continually proud to loans, even permanent mortgage play a part in the growth and loans. Farmers & Merchants. All development of our community. the bank you'll ever need. But home improvement loans EXAMPLES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN Amount Months Payments* APR $3,000.00 36 $112.66 14.02 4,000.00 42 134.36 13.74 5,000.00 48 153.38 13.50 7,500.00 60 200.59 13.09 10,000.00 84 195.49 12.63 • Farmers & Merchants Bank A Summerville • THon • Lyerly • Menlo of major interest to, or will af fect, most readers. Os course, how you rate the news sometimes depends on whether you are attempting to report the news or sell papers. A lot of the professionals at tempt to sell newspapers. Yours for semi professional journalism. by Ed Curran U.S. Department of Agriculture 1 h MH The Summerville News, Thurs., Sept. 27, 1979 Wtohingioiif Report By Larry McDonald U S Reprasijfitalivt/ 7th District SOVIET TRUCK PLANT EXAMPLE OF MISMANAGEMENT The Nixon Adminis tration gave approval for the export of hundreds of millions of dollars in Unit ed States’ technology and equipment to the Soviet Union for the construction of the massive Kama River truck plant early in this decade. Wv * a w| The export licenses is sued at the time specified that the trucks and engines produced by the plant — the world’s largest — would be for “civilian use” or for "commercial vehi cles.” Anyone with one ounce of common sense knew at the time that the Soviets would use the plant for military purposes but the liberals in the Adminis tration ignored the warn ings of concerned con servatives. Unfortunately, the Carter Administration has continued the unwise poli cies of the Nixon and Ford Administrations by export ing vast amounts of U.S. technology to the Soviets which then use it to build up their war machine. The Research and De velopment Subcommittee of the House Armed Ser vices Committee, of which I am a member, has been conducting an investiga tion into this practice, which will threaten our nation’s survival if not halted. Not published at taxpayer expense. Published as a public service by this newspaper FACILITY USED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES Based on our probe thus far, there is no doubt in my mind that the Soviets are using the Kama River truck plant to manufacture military trucks and en gines for assault vehicles and armored personnel carriers However, Rep. Richard Ichord (D-Mo), chairman of my Subcommittee, and I have run into claims of "executive privilege’’ from the Carter Adminis tration. In addition, the Administration has re buked one of our Subcommittee’s key wit nesses in our investigation and relieved him of his duties as acting director of the Office of Export Ad ministration. Why? Be cause he dared tell the truth and thereby con tradict the “official line” of the Administration. The witness, Lawrence Brady, testified in May that diesel engines from the Kama River plant are being used for military purposes, including for mations within the Com munist Warsaw Pact in Eastern Europe. I shall continue to coop erate with my Subcommit tee in pressing the Carter Administration to clarify our current policies and hopefully, to force it to adopt new policies which will prohibit the export of any of our technology which could even remotely be used for military purposes by our enemies. • • • Write or call: Rep. Larry McDonald, 504 Cannon Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2931 5-A