Letter to the Editor: Rushing to Judgement

By Weldon Clark

I’ve read the recent stories about Mr. Trotter. However, according to what I have learned the reporter who wrote the original story did not personally hear the derogatory comments about learning disabled children allegedly made by, nor even personally talked to, Mr. Trotter. The reporter heard statements made by a person who works for the Pickens County School District. Mr. Trotter claims he did not make these remarks, has asked for an investigation, and has even volunteered to take a lie detector test regarding this matter.

Current news should warn us about the dangers of rushing to judgment and basing accusations on hearsay, yet we seem to have individuals all too willing to use these tactics. We can only speculate the reasons, but we can’t help but suspect the sources. It’s no secret that there are many bureaucrats who work for the school district who resent board members like Mr. Trotter, members who aren’t afraid to call administrators to task, and have the courage to lay off bureaucrats and hire back teachers. After all, laying off administrators while hiring teachers is not a good way to pressure the public into paying more taxes. Mr. Trotter has worked hard and consistently voted to keep the school district on a sound financial footing, protecting teachers, while not raising taxes. For this I, and all taxpaying citizens, should appreciate Mr. Trotter. Maybe we all need to step back and let the system do its job getting to the facts before we judge.

Weldon Clark, Liberty, SC, whcgearman@charter.net