THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 6, 1996 TAG: 9601050027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
First there was sexual harassment; now racial extremism. Why is it so surprising to Army officials that there may be members who serve in the armed forces who harbor extremist views?
The case of Pvt. James N. Burmeister II, Pvt. Malcolm Wright Jr. and Pvt. Randy Lee Meadows of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., has angered many African Americans. Apparently with no other motivation than racial hatred, they allegedly shot down at random a black couple walking down a public street in Fayetteville, N.C.
Who in their right mind would shoot at people just because they are a different color or race?
I grew up in the turbulent '60s when minorities were fighting and dying for equal rights. Minorities have fought and died in every war the United States has entered. There was a time that racial harmony was believed possible. Now, I'm not sure.
Recent accounts stated that Private Burmeister has a background of being ``involved in extremist activities.'' It was also stated he wore the symbols of extremist groups and had his security clearance revoked because of his involvement in such activities. The military has stated it would not tolerate any military personnel belonging to such groups or organizations.
Being African American and a military dependent, I do not walk around with blinders on. Are we to let a few extremists ruin the dream of the many for racial harmony?
JEANETTE M. HARRISON
Virginia Beach, Dec. 18, 1995 by CNB