Larry Meeks Says Goodbye

[1stindoor]

Larry Meeks writes a column called Ethnically Speaking. I've been reading his column for many many years. Yesterday he wrote his last and is retiring.

Originally Posted by Ethnically Speaking

Dear Larry:
I often wonder where personal responsibility has gone in this country. So many have their hands out, want to blame others, and want to bring race into the equation. Many seem most passionate about taking more, more, more from others and the government. Where did hard work and personal reward go? Keep up the good work!

- Angie

Dear Angie: Thank you for the kind words. I know you said to "keep up the good work," but I have decided it is time for me to retire. This is my last column. I want to say goodbye to all my loyal readers. I have numerous reasons for stopping. First, I am the pastor of a church, and it has been steadily growing. The demands are becoming greater and greater. Second, I am a counselor. The county where I reside has hired me to take on counseling court-appointed drug offenders.

Third, I am a professor. This job is not a full-time one, but it does add to my commitments. Fourth, God has blessed me with 67 years of life. There is so much more I want to do while my health is still good. My wife of 46 years and I want to see more of this world. Being committed to a weekly column limits our ability to get away.

Fifth, I am a metal artist, and there are still many commissions that need my time.

Sixth, I am thoroughly disgusted with the Obama administration. It is my belief that it is taking the country in a negative direction regarding race relations. I was hopeful that President Obama would be a positive force for making things better in America. I was so sure we were headed in the right direction that I went out on a limb and predicted that race soon would become irrelevant and that socio-economics would be the population divider. I was wrong.

This president has a chip on his shoulder, and when one is attuned to attitudes - as I am - it is obvious. This would not be such a problem, except "guilt-ridden whites" and sympathetic minorities continue to keep him propped up. They make excuses for his behavior, and nothing will change until he and other like-minded people are taken to task for their misguided position.
This leads me to my final reason for closing my computer.

I have the wrong attitude for fostering change and writing this column. It is time for me to censor myself and get a grip.

To all my friends, I bid you adieu. Keep me in your prayers.

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/living/ci_17703639#ixzz1IeRGUQJi

[Pete]

I also have been reading his column for years. One of the bright spots of the FayOb.

His column will be missed.

[Team Sergeant]

Mr. Meeks sent us an email concerning this thread. He was pleased so many thought highly of his work. I asked if he'd like to join the website.

[Gypsy]

Best of luck, Mr. Meeks.

[1stindoor]

I certainly hope he takes up the offer to join the site. His contributions would be very well received IMNSHO.

[uplink5]

This principled gentleman has been one of the few contributors to the Fayetteville Observer that I’ve gone out of my way to read for many years. His is a source and perspective which can bring about cognizance when during times such as these, perspective needs to come without strings or agendas attached.

I’d encourage his sage presence upon our boards where this mature and sophisticated audience could surely benefit from his contributions…

Otherwise, thank you for your years of writing, thanks for your ministery and continued service helping drug offenders, and good luck in any future endeavors sir.

.....jd

[Pete]

Well, if he's ever in the neighborhood giving a speach somewhere he needs to drop us a line. I'd sure buy him a beer at CM's.