I do not know Virginia Gregory and probably never will have the opportunity to meet her, but she feels very comfortable characterizing people she does not know.
When I wrote a letter to the editor ("Yarbrough column almost sacrilegious," Wednesday's MDJ), I very carefully limited my comments as a criticism of the column written by Dick Yarbrough because it continually (i) cited biblical passages and references nearing sacrilegious; (ii) challenged and chastised Cobb school board member the Rev. Dr. John. Crooks with religious paraphrases and quotes that I thought were extremely unfair to a man of God; and (iii) backhandedly challenged Rev. Crooks' beliefs and understanding of the Bible.
I thought then and continue to think now that this was extremely unfair.
Ms. Gregory should go back and read my letter, because it very intentionally did not reach or try to reach the "merits" of the episode Yarbrough so unfairly described. Yarbrough could have offered fair, fact-based criticism and I would not have been disturbed; but because Yarborough did use this form of commentary that made unfair religious analogies, I felt compelled to comment.
Let there be no question that my letter clearly criticized the form of Yarbrough's article, but it did not speak to the episode that gave rise to Yarbrough's article.
Ms. Gregory conveniently adds that I somehow approved, cleared or condoned the alleged violation. She had to do this in order to attempt to validate her point, which does not exist.
Contrary to Ms. Gregory's allegations, I have no financial interest in the placement of this controversial tower on county property and do not know the facts of this episode before the Cobb County School Board, but you do not need those facts to classify Yarbrough's article as being in terrible taste.
Ms. Gregory classifies Yarbrough's article as the "use of humor," and I classify it as very close to sacrilegious.
This is where Ms. Gregory and I absolutely disagree. Ms. Gregory finds it interesting, as she puts it, that I am "so pious," but she does not have a dream of who I am or what my religious beliefs are or are not. It is totally unfair and out of her reach to classify the strength of my religious beliefs.
Absolutely contrary to Ms. Gregory's conclusion that my letter to the editor was "an unethical attempt to mislead public opinion," my efforts were to criticize what I thought was an unfair and near sacrilegious approach taken by Yarbrough.
James M. Ney
Marietta
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Virginia Gregory stated what her motivations were in her letter. Did you read and understand it??
You won't even address the actions of this particular school board member. Dr. Crooks has a legal and moral obligation first to Cobb County citizens. Full and honest disclosure of the cell tower placement should take precedant over any desire of Dr. Crooks' attempt at avoiding a “circus.” Even more so given that Dr. Crooks is a pastor; church administrator or not. Wrong is wrong, Mr. Ney. You are way off on this.
While I did not think Mr.Yarbrough's column was "sacrilegious", I did think it was a lame attempt at humor. Additionally, I think Dr. Crooks clearly made a series of compound errors in this matter.
However, Ms. Gregory's letter is over the line by implying that you wrote this letter to sway public opinion. Ms. Gregory should prehaps examine her own motiviations before she attempts to comment on the motivations of others.
Ms. Gregory offered evidence that you make big $$$$ off cell tower placement. Where is the evidence that you are a person who lectures others on religious issues. Are you a Pastor, Elder, Theologian, Rabbi? Have you ever taken a stand on sacriledge in the media before?
Lawyer Ney, you're still "talk'n your book" and it isn't the "good book" either. Nobody expects a lawyer to have any shame, but some common sense should tell you to shut up once you get caught.
Your response only adds even more validity to Ms. Gregory's letter. I am not a lawyer, but I do have have a legal question for you; when and why might a judge recuse himself from hearing a case? Might it ever be because he was in any way affiliated with plantiff or defendant? You chose to make a public comment. Can you say "hoist on your own petard"?
If you live in Post 6 the Reverend can count on YOU to deliver him at least 1 Vote come July 20, 2010. Then you can have the Reverend all to yourself come January 1, 2011. I am sure your law firm would be a great fit for the Reverend! Likes attract.
Oh! Do us a favor . . . Please find another school district to channel YOUR “betterment interests” towards & take the Reverend with YOU! The Cobb Post 6 children, teachers, administrators and parents are not interested in suffering under this man’s sordid leadership any longer than necessary. “AMEN”!
I would like to thank Mr. Yarbrough for his very humorous & true “Tower of Babel” column. For those of us who live/serve in Post 6 it has been a long dry spell since January 1, 2007 and you Mr. Yarbrough lifted our vision to July 20, 2010! “Amen & amen”!