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'GOOD OLD BOY' NETWORK STRONG

The much anticipated and long delayed investigation is complete.  After amending the rules in favor of the narcotics agents, D.A.  [Brian] Rickman turned the Ayers case over to a grand jury.  The result: A group of local citizens found that this was indeed a situation where it was justified to shoot an unarmed man sitting in his car, in the middle of town, in broad daylight.

I'm 62 years old, and the disgust I feel about living in an area where there are people who not only allow but condone this abuse of the law is overwhelming.  Many weeks ago, I suggested in this paper that control of this case should be taken out of local hands.  Federal intervention was the only hope for justice to prevail.  The corruption and dirtiness that exists in this "good old boys" network is stronger than even I suspected.

Additionally, I will say that D.A.  Rickman's influence is greater than I thought.  While I believe that his goal from the beginning was to clear "his guys," I never thought he would find a grand jury so devoid of any level of integrity or courage.  I wonder how they look their families in the face, and assure them that this could never happen to them.

I love this part of the country and the many fine people who live here.  They and their families deserve so much more, but until they are willing to say enough is enough, this arrogant "thumb of the nose" attitude toward rule of law and fairness will continue as it has for decades.  The self-serving evilness is too firmly entrenched.  The "good old boys" obviously have the resources and support available to protect themselves.

I'm sorry that Pastor Ayers had no one to speak for him.  I'm sorry for his family.  I feel that he was sacrificed to protect those who don't deserve protection.

His life did not outweigh the importance of protection for certain people.  That's the bottom line.  Think about it.

Bobby Clardy

Toccoa