From Julian Bond Letter to the Editor, Atlanta Constitution, 2 Jun 1970

June 2, 1970

Letters to the Editor Atlanta Constitution 10 Forsyth Street Northwest Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Dear Sirs:

Lester Maddox seems to have a point when he states that the Journal and Constitution are unfair to their readers.

Neither the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee nor the Congress of Racial Equity ever picketed either newspaper, and it is wrong for your editorials to assert that they did, and to suggest that these organizations, the others you mention, and Governor Maddox have anything in common beyond a dislike for slanted news coverage and biased reporting.

While it is true that men and newspapers may measure their worth by their enemies, anyone who is picketed by people who want liberation for black people, equality for women, and an end to the war can't be all good.

If Governor Maddox wants recruits from these groups to join him, I am sure he would find some ready takers from the legions of Georgians who feel that neither the South's standard newspaper or the dew-like coverage of Dixie does honestly what one expects a newspaper to do - to report all of the news and facts, and to make honest criticism where criticism is warranted.

Sincerely,

Julian Bond