Last week, we all witnessed what the people of Fayette County are capable of when they are inspired to take action. As legislation (SB 458) worked its way through the Georgia General Assembly that entertained the notion of forced acceptance of Clayton County students into Fayette County schools, thousands and thousands of us contacted our elected officials.

We should all take comfort in the fact that our methods of communication are effective and our parents care about the quality of education their children receive.

After following the coverage by this publication, attending Saturday’s town hall meeting, reviewing the timeline of the events, and speaking with many of my constituents, I became concerned with some aspects of this situation.

So, let’s take a step back and consider how we could have handled ourselves better. You may ask why we need to improve. After all, we appear to have gotten what we wanted.

Here’s why. If you followed the comments that were made publicly and continue to be made publicly, you know how venomous, inappropriate, and factually incorrect some of the language was when referring to Senator Ronnie Chance, Representative Matt Ramsey, and others involved with the legislation.

Given the number of people that were informed — or misinformed as the case may be — of the situation, irreparable damage was done to these men personally and professionally.

Though the poorly drafted language of the bill was already in the process of being stricken through the appropriate legislative channels, some had already found Chance and Ramsey guilty and sought them out for a hanging in the town square.

I am one of the biggest advocates you will ever meet when it comes to the importance of protecting and practicing the right of free speech. However, we must handle this right with care rather than using it with reckless abandon. Our words have consequences.

As you speak with your neighbors and friends, or as you type your emails and letters, I urge you to proceed with caution.

Thank you to Senator Ronnie Chance and Representative Matt Ramsey for handling SB 458 the way you did. One can only hope that every single person that was misinformed will hear the last chapter of the story.

Eric Dial

Tyrone Town Councilman

Tyrone, Ga.