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Farewell
Dear Larry: You are the sanest man in America! I look forward to your columns because I ALWAYS agree with your answers. Great work! Thanks for speaking the simple truth about all issues — racial, political, parental, common sense, etc.
I often …Read more.
Hate Groups
Dear Larry: I want to forget for a moment that it is their constitutional right, because I detest the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and all other groups that preach hate. A long time ago, they came into cities across America without any protest. Now …Read more.
Troubles With Raising Teenage Son
Dear Larry: I am African-American and a single mother with three children, ages 15, 10 and 8. All of them are boys. I am having a lot of problems with them, especially the eldest.
He argues with me about almost everything. He thinks he is the man/…Read more.
How To Get Race Relations Back on Track
Dear Larry: So many of my friends are upset with the way things are going, especially race relations. They are not saying anything openly, but among themselves there is constant complaining and fear. There is something simmering and brewing that …Read more.
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Positivity
Dear Readers: This column spends almost all of its space dealing with negative problems and issues regarding race relations. I recently received a letter that was a real upper, and it makes a lot of my life's work have meaning.
I think it would be great if we all could share in the joy of making a difference. I would appreciate receiving some letters that convey the message that if we all strive to make this a better world, there is hope.
As an example of what I am looking for, here is the letter I just received:
Dear Larry: Do you remember that little boy whom you dragged to church every week back in the mid-1980s with your family? The kid who came over to your house a few times a week to play with your son, Corey, and eat all your food?
I've been meaning to write you for some time and thank you for all the love that you and your family showed me over the years that you unofficially adopted me into your family. I have many great memories of playing pool with Corey and family, getting doughnuts on the way to church and, once we would get there, Corey's and my making fun of all the women's hats. I was mesmerized by the life, music and joy in church service.
I think I mostly appreciate the love you showed me by caring enough for a kid with no dad around. Whether you realize it or not, you were the only model of a stable, loving family with a mom and dad. That is something that transcended any ethnic or socio-economic barrier. For that, I am forever thankful.
Today I am happily married to my wife of 15-plus years. We have two amazing boys, and we work in nonprofit community development work.
Bless you and your family. I hope to visit your family the next time I am in my old stomping grounds. — Derek
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Comments
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25 Comments | Post Comment
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Larry,
As much as I'd like it if you published a letter because it's about "positivity" and "making the world a better place," this letter seems to have only one purpose; to stoke your self-righteousness and considerable ego. How narcissistic can you be? You publish THIS letter after several weeks of bashing Islam and anyone who dare suggest they deserve to be treated as equals? Your attempt at "proving" what a "great guy" you are fails miserably.
"The charity that hastens to proclaim its good deeds, ceases to be charity, and is only pride and ostentation."
- William Hutton
Comment: #1
Posted by: Johanna
Sat Oct 9, 2010 11:37 PM
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Oh, and I figure Matt will be here soon, defending Larry and spouting irrational anger at liberals like me for finding Larry's bragging distasteful. So, these bible quotes are for you Matt...it's just coincidental that they're from the book of Matthew.
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen by them: otherwise ye have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1
2 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:5
3 "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6:3
Johanna
Comment: #2
Posted by: Johanna
Sat Oct 9, 2010 11:54 PM
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Re: Johanna. Here I am. Did you miss me - is that why you called me by name? Larry is to be commended for printing this. I am delighted that his wisdom and generous spirit made a difference in the life of a child. It proves that his philosophy - taking responsibility for your actions, reaching out to the less fortunate, honoring God by leading a child to Christ - are important and worthwhile. Your comments, however, are cruel and filled with hate. Please seek professional help. While you're undergoing therapy, please stay off this website. There are already too many nasty trolls here, and I'm amused by their pathetic attempts to mock and irritate me as well as annoy the columnist. The problem has become so chronic that I've started leaving my comments early on and then not returning...simply because I don't care to wade back into the swamp of racism and hate that invariably forms within a few days after Larry publishes a new column. I hope Larry is not discouraged by you and the other ones writing in here week after week, trying to discourage him. I have no why the likes of you keep returning here again and again.
Comment: #3
Posted by: Matt
Sun Oct 10, 2010 1:50 AM
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Honestly I have no idea why so many people out there apparently have an axe to grind. The Angry Left really are some sick people.
Comment: #4
Posted by: Matt
Sun Oct 10, 2010 1:51 AM
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I do not always agree with Matt but on this I truly agree with him on. Larry Meeks is one of the few people out there who really writes about what is going on in race issues which is a very hard topic to discuss rationally. I appreciate Larry's articles and viewpoints cause its a different message, and one that I wish more would embrace or at least think on more.
As to trolls, its why I don't come here often. I saw one guy get burned here a few weeks ago cause of one supposed error in his information and being compared to Rush Limbaugh (misspelled?). This place turns ugly fast.
Comment: #5
Posted by: Kath
Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:30 AM
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I find it hilarious that anyone claiming to be a Conservative could call anyone on the Left angry. It isn't the Left constantly spreading lies, screaming about "second Amendment Remedies" if they don't get their way, and yelling "We want our country back!" simply because the majority elected someone they don't like.
That said, there was nothing "angry" about Johana's post. She called this man out on his bullshit. And she predicted that Matt would come in and White Knight him. Matt seems to be the angry, insulting one.
Comment: #6
Posted by: Candi Anne
Sun Oct 10, 2010 8:33 AM
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I am genuinely glad that the LW's life turned out better than it might have otherwise, and it's nice that he wrote to Larry to tell him so. But even so, this column really rubbed me the wrong way, because the dose of "positivity" is nothing more than Larry Meeks patting himself on the back.
I wish there were a better column on race relations. Politics aside, this one is dull and repetitive, with very little real insight. It's also not very well written. I always get the impression that Larry spends about 10 minutes writing it. I can't imagine that very many newspapers actually run it.
Comment: #7
Posted by: Van Wickle
Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:25 AM
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Wow, why so angry Johana and Candi Anne?
I for one was glad to read today's column, even if some seem to think it's only to "stoke Larry's ego."
So Johana, when did you last take a child into your home with love and unselfishness? When did you last care about someone other than yourself? You sound like a jerk. So what if Larry printed this letter? It's from one of his readers! A very grateful one at that, with firsthand knowledge of Larry's integrity.
I was a child very much in the position of that writer - no dad, no love at home, poor, physically abused; I could have used a loving neighbor like Larry!! That letter brought joy into my heart. Thank you, Larry.
Comment: #8
Posted by: Renee
Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:31 AM
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Forgot to say: LOLOL at Matt's grandiosity.
Comment: #9
Posted by: Van Wickle
Sun Oct 10, 2010 12:11 PM
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Renee, I refuse to grandstand and list my charitable activities. It's tacky. It's prideful and egotistical. It's an act of ostentatious desperation.
If you're doing good deeds while standing in a spotlight just to prove to others you're a good person, you obviously don't believe you're a good person.....probably for a darn good reason.
Helping a child who needs the kindness of a stable family is just wonderful. Bragging about it, however, is exploiting that child to polish your public image.
Think about it --- imagine a politician taking out an advertisement in the newspaper just to publish this letter. Would you find it revolting? Disingenuous? Self-righteous? If you're honest with yourself, I think you would.
Comment: #10
Posted by: Johanna
Sun Oct 10, 2010 1:20 PM
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When in doubt, blame "The angry left." Yawn. I won't waste time addressing the laziness of those who treat one person's viewpoint as interchangeable with everyone else's, because it's lame and beyond played out. But for what it's worth I'm inclined to agree with Johanna, and I will explain why. I don't doubt that Larry is a fine father, and that the person who wrote that letter genuinely benefitted from his presence. I think it's great that Larry welcomed this young man into his home, and helped him grow into a kind and responsible adult. I applaud his efforts.
But yeah, it also struck me a tad egotistical and self-serving of Larry Meeks to request letters providing examples of positivity, and starting it off with a letter that solely pays tribute to the positive impact of Larry Meeks himself. I don't even have a problem with him sharing the letter. But please don't do it under the guise of rallying people to share examples of good role models. A truly good role model doesn't have to brag. Besides, we already have Tyra Banks for that kind of self-congratulatory back patting.
Comment: #11
Posted by: Jon
Sun Oct 10, 2010 5:30 PM
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Perhaps it may or may not be egotistical of Larry Meeks to show this letter but I rather look at what Larry was trying to say with it: wants more letters of positive influence, examples of even if it is himself to give ideas of what people can write in and also to show examples of what people can do. Many times over the last few years I've seen that people need to be pointed in whatever direction to do something no matter what it is.
In replying to Van Wrinkle's statement about a better column, race relations is a tough one to tackle especially in a daily or weekly column, and to find someone to write it cause they got to put their name and obviously picture next to it. Seriously who wants to write this and have their picture put on it? Especially if you are white. This is a tough subject to write on without getting burned or having someone stop you and question you on what you wrote?
I like that Larry tries to put bridges between races and understanding. That he puts more on role models like fathers for children than blame someone else.
Comment: #12
Posted by: Kath
Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:36 PM
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Funny that you say Larry "tries to put bridges between races" because I think he does exactly the opposite! He's done nothing but rail against Muslims for months -- how, exactly, is THAT being a good role model? He defends racism far more than he tries to heal the wounds that racism inflicts. Larry seems to have no problem blindly judging and dismissing the rights of ALL liberals and ALL Muslims, and based on that extreme bias alone, Larry Meeks is wholly unqualified to preach to others on the topic of ethnic relations.
Oh, and I don't call it "race" relations because there is only ONE human race; despite the fact that many people want you to believe otherwise. We are all the same race, regardless of where we were born or where our parents were born.
Comment: #13
Posted by: Johanna
Sun Oct 10, 2010 10:19 PM
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As are the Angry Right Matt.
As a member of the Left I like this letter, it is a nice heartwarmer. Now, let's see if Larry would print a similar one from say, a faithful Muslim who turned around the life of a young child.
Comment: #14
Posted by: Mich
Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:16 AM
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I guess I'm one of those "angry leftists" people have been posting about...I like people and hate to see them dying for lack of medical care. I would like for everyone in the United States to have access to at least a minimal level of health care coverage. I don't want the insurance companies to sit around raking in massive profits, while at the same time people are dying on the streets for lack of medicines they can't afford, or having their coverage canceled the moment they get sick. And as a Christian, I don't think Christ stood for the most virulent style of unbridled, rapacious capitalism, even at the cost of clean water and air for ourselves and our kids to drink and breathe. I do believe Christ stood for good things, and for people treating each other well. Oh, and, I am getting sick of seeing Muslims bashed, by Mr. Meeks and others.
With all of that said, I have nothing against Larry Meeks for printing the sweet letter from Derek. Good for Derek for writing it. Good for Larry for providing such support to him when he was a child.
Comment: #15
Posted by: sarah morrow
Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:43 PM
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You guys are all stupid. Neither one of you is ever going to convince the other that you are right. All of you sound pretentious and arrogant. If you want to change hearts and influence people, go run for a local office and get involved with politics instead of arguing with strangers you'll never meet.
Comment: #16
Posted by: Red
Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:29 AM
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And by "neither" I mean either the 'left' or the 'right, not two specific people.
Comment: #17
Posted by: Red
Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:30 AM
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Re: Red: And you are just as arrogant, calling other people stupid and lecturing people you will never meet!
But I agree that some people are incapable of considering any point of view other than their own, and nothing anybody says will change that.
Comment: #18
Posted by: Van Wickle
Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:21 AM
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I wish I could join in the conversation today but I don't have a bible to thump, bump or grind to. Oh well!
Comment: #19
Posted by: Diana
Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:05 AM
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I was actually just trying to be neutral and not comment in the situation itself, sorry if it came off as offensive.
Comment: #20
Posted by: Red
Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:05 AM
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Re: Red: Well, the next time you want to be neutral, don't go calling your fellow human beings stupid, pretentious, and arrogant! :-) And some people here are capable of a respectful exchange of ideas, although others obviously are not. In any case, you make a good point. There's no sense in bellowing at someone who's never, ever going to change their mind.
Comment: #21
Posted by: Van Wickle
Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:20 AM
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I can be neutral on the issue itself while still calling the players as I see them. Which was my intent. Anyway, last post, have a good day.
Comment: #22
Posted by: Red
Wed Oct 13, 2010 4:13 PM
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Johanna, race (or whatever you want to call it) is a hard topic to cover and be unbiased on as attested to in how many debates and flame wars that go on in Larry Meeks' comment section.
Sarah Morrow, I agree with you on medical care and all. I think a good part of the problem is our own government and how it spends money needlessly. Sorry the only thing I care about in politics is how money is spent and over hte past six months alone is proof in my own city how politicians can't spend money responsible.
Comment: #23
Posted by: Kath
Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:43 PM
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I'd like to elaborate on what I had written previously, since I realized it sounded like I (and others) are determined to find fault with everything Larry Meeks says and does. I truly didn't mean to poop on his generousity in taking a troubled child under his wing and steering him towards a more positive life. The fact that the gentleman took the time to write a letter thanking him demonstrates that Larry's influence was indeed positive, and deserves to be commended.
I just would have preferred that he not frame the letter in a way that came off (to me, anyway) as sounding like, "I'd like to share examples of positive role models who make a difference. Let's start by striving to be more like ME!" I mean, he couldn't think of anyone else he could feature to get the ball rolling? I'm sure the people who know him best believe that Larry has a kind and giving nature, and they're probably right. Unfortunately in his column I often find his tone and views to be judgemental and narrow, and trumpeting oneself as a role model doesn't help. But I do resepct that he does appear to work to be a positive influence in his day-to-day life.
Comment: #24
Posted by: Jon
Thu Oct 14, 2010 3:54 PM
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Larry, please know that you have been and are a very positive role model, as Derek's letter proves. Keep doing what you do and, as I'm sure you already have, ignore the negative nellies. I understand what you did for Derek because someone did much the same for me. As a result, I've never refused a bed to anyone in need, and have always had an extra place to set at supper and never have a guest room that isn't occupied. There are always those, even among our families, that need a helping hand and a kind word. We have little way to know the good influence our actions may have on someone. The important thing is to keep doing good.
Comment: #25
Posted by: Sally
Thu Oct 21, 2010 3:01 PM
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