Dear Editor:

I read with interest the story about the Chamber of Commerce breakfast with the Legislators that took place last week. I couldn’t help but laugh at the notion of the room going silent while the folks thought about what to do about the Republican Party.

Gray Smith ought to be given two medals; one for his comments about the school board, and another for managing to keep a room full of politicians silent for at least sixty seconds. I don’t understand why it would be the role of the state government to do anything at all about the local Republican Party, its chairman, or anyone else who opposes the local school board.

As a product of the Forsyth County School system, I know that when a group tries to use the government to stifle the free speech of others, the public should be very afraid. I don’t want this fear in my county. I am thankful for people who have the courage that Gray Smith showed on May 9. He said things that many people in our county have been feeling for quite some time, and just didn’t have the backbone to say. I don’t see this as “rhetoric.” I see it as truth, and find it refreshing.

Here is a suggestion as to what to do with the Republican Party: listen to them. Ronald Reagan was my hero, and I don’t think Sonny Perdue is too bad either. Any party that produces leaders like this can’t be wrong.

Graham Hester

Editor's Note: Author requested that this letter be posted on CummingHome.com.