Dan caught a lot of flak. One reader wrote, “Hey Dan. You need to get a life, and open your eyes. Articles such as this should be presented whenever they are needed to make the general public, or should I say educated public, that racist practices must be eliminated. You get over it and wise up.” 

And Gail from Palm Coast, wrote, “I hear that they're having a white sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Time for you to stock up on some white sheets for your gatherings.” Another reader responded to Dan: “Good one. LOL Dan's just a racist idiot that must have lost his wife or girlfriend to a bro. You'll find that out the more of his posts you see. I think really all he does is come on here to try to start sh**! Idiot from the word gooooooooo!” 

Yet another, “Wlindsey” from Port Orange, wrote: “We're clearly a community in need of racial healing. All the more reason to celebrate the heritage of Mary McLeod Bethune and the college she founded, which tries to bring blacks and whites together and heal the deep wounds of racial division by inclusive conversation and a curriculum centered on social justice.” 

Many readers questioned the role of the media in presenting news in its historical context.

For example: “Fed Up – Florida” wrote, “It must have been a slow news day. This reporter went to a history book and decided it was news.” 

“Jim” from Ormond Beach wrote, “ This is history, not news. Stories like this are frequently published, however, to fulfill their liberal agenda of keeping racial divisions alive for the political gain of Democrats. Too bad we'll never read an inspiring account about one of the hundreds of millions of Americans that have bettered their lives because of this nation. Freedom is now taken for granted by too many people, and because of this politicians continue to take it away bit by bit everyday. So sad.” 

And “Active O” wrote, “I'm not reading this NEWS PAPER for a history lesson... and make no mistake... this is HISTORY... history would be... (A chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution... often including an explanation of their causes)... it is NOT to be confused with NEWS... (A report of recent events b: Previously unknown information) get it??? Jim Crow died... DEAD... put in the grave in the mid-1960's... thanks to you and the News-Journal for assuming a history lesson was in order here... but for my part... your assumptions are sickeningly incorrect! Thanks anyway!” 

But “andy ray” from Deltona disagreed. “You can't get to where you are going unless you know where you have been.” 

Another reader said, “Thanks for this insightful historical piece. It must be awful to read these comments and be criticized for doing your job by educating and informing. Any story about race draws the ignorant. I guess people would rather sweep it under the rug and blame the media for propagating. Keep on chugging; your work is appreciated.” 

And “Marley” reminded Jim: “History can serve as a reminder of today’s news, after all, history repeats itself, especially with the ignorant.” 

Finally, “DlndChic” weighed in with “Quoting Rush Limbaugh doesn't show much intelligence…I'm blessed and thankful for those who are willing to keep their hearts and minds open. Only the ignorant will repeat mistakes made by others. The more intelligent will learn from them.” 

I happily cast my lot with “DlandChic.” We scriveners cherish “those who are willing to keep their hearts and minds open.” We hope they will learn from our efforts to present the past as well as the present.

In the news business, it’s called “context.”  

Journalists who do their work without it do all of us a disservice.                 

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