I would like to thank Ms. Scales-Johnson for sharing information about recent incidents involving the Fayetteville police and her sons. She obviously put a lot of time and thought into her submittal to The Citizen.

The fact that she recounted not one incident but two in the course of a single holiday season makes the entire situation even more compelling. If this had happened to my children, I would feel as frustrated as she does, and would probably have shed a few bitter tears as I typed.

I would also like to thank Mr. TenBrink for presenting another viewpoint related to these incidents. He set forth several ideas I had not previously considered. Both articles were interesting, factual, and serve as food for thought for everyone in our bustling and diverse community, and I enjoyed reading them.

I was equally saddened, then, when I turned to the Free Speech section and read related comments written by nameless authors. More than one person hid behind a cloak of anonymity as they labeled, defended, chastised, scolded, and jumped to conclusions. Reading their comments made me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

The year 2008 promises to be tumultuous. It will be filled with extremism, volatile politics, and Internet hype. This year especially, let’s read to gain an understanding, and not to attach labels of right and wrong.

Let’s take a few extra minutes to walk a mile in another man’s shoes, appreciate someone else’s unique situation, and count a few of our own blessings when we read about personal challenges that we do not share.

Perhaps above all else, when we do take a stand or deem it necessary to judge others, let’s find the courage to sign our names.

Kim Learnard

Peachtree City, Ga.