Ed, the man who said you “choose” what you put in BackTalk is right. I’ve always believed that to be the case because I’ve called you with some interesting things, but you don’t publish them. I figure you’re scared to put them in the paper because I’m calling about racial issues. Don’t be scared. You better start talking about race because it’s worse now than 100 years ago, and we need to have some dialogue. Stop choosing! Put stuff in the paper that will make people think.Sudden

Diplomat

You’re right about escalating race tensions. The nooses cropping up all over are just the latest evidence. But I cut racial comments that are offensive, vulgar or ignorant — comments that don’t “make people think.” Any chance your “interesting things” fit into one of those categories in the past?—Ed. Note