Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: I'm an editor for the newspaper that carries your column. I have a question concerning your answer to the woman who demanded a seat change on an airline because her assigned seat was next to a black man.

You mentioned that the woman's demand committed a federal crime. While her behavior is loathsome, I can't figure out what law she broke by expressing her dislike for blacks.

Could you clarify? — Jim

Dear Jim: I just returned from a two-week vacation, and during my absence, my syndicator chose two old columns for publication. The one in question appeared almost six years ago, and like now created a firestorm of questions.

Again, I must apologize for my answer.

Please read the following old letter that best responds to this faux pas and gives my mea culpa.

Dear Larry: I usually enjoy your column and find your observations interesting and insightful. Most of the time I agree with you, but you were off-base with a statement you made in your column about the "airline and the bigot."

You stated in part "this woman literally committed a federal crime". While it might be a crime to physically attack someone, it's not a crime to express a preference about sitting next to someone. I will agree that it is rude, discourteous and, yes, bigoted, but hardly unlawful.

The flight attendant could be accused of violating the black man's civil rights if she asked him to move, or she may even be guilty since she allowed the woman to change seats — although that would be a stretch. I agree with your recommendation that the woman be told to sit in her assigned seat or deplane. However, not liking someone is not criminal; I hope we never reach that point.

You're right about advising the flight attendant to suggest a policy to fit such occasions.

This was a toughie, Larry. Regardless of how we feel, we can't legislate love or even make people like one another. — David

Dear David: You are correct. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the bigoted lady committed no crime.

I blew this one; I guess I was up in the ozone or something. Or maybe I was hoping she violated a law to prevent a person from hurting innocent people with demeaning remarks. Whatever the reason for the error, I strive to be accurate, but in this case I missed the mark.

Dear Readers: In 17 years I have written 868 columns, and I remember every mistake. Thankfully there has only been one other error.

I miss assigned the country of Belize, which also created a big fuss. I said Belize, Africa, instead of Belize, Central America. I received letters from all over the world — many of them questioned my IQ and ability to read a map. One letter actually contained a National Geographic Map sent from the Belize Department of Tourism.

I guess the positive side for making an error is: if you want a ton of mail, make a mistake. However, that kind of mail I would rather not receive.

I pray my syndicator will never rerun that column.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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