Letters.(Letter to the Editor)

Dear Editor:

I was disappointed to see that Mr. Ford ("Powerful Illusions, "by Glen Ford, Winter 2002/2003) did not really commit himself to efficient research prior to publishing the above article. The first step might have been to determine the proper spelling of the victorious congressional candidate in Alabama. It is "Artur" Davis and not "Arthur. "The second step, would have been to do some research on Artur Davis and find out what he is actually about as opposed to lumping him in the same category with Ms. Majette and Mr. Booker.

I happen to know Artur Davis and was privy to the campaign that is described in passing in Mr. Fords article. Artur, also Harvard trained, hails from meek status. He grew up poor in an African American neighborhood in Montgomery, Alabama. His politics are sharply aligned with what Mr. Ford would consider the true black voice, and he made it clear during his campaign. The voters were tired of Mr. Hilliard's empty promises for jobs, infrastructure, scandals regarding use of funds and ethics and his 100 percent voting record with the NRA. You will note that during Mr.Hilliard's tenure, African Americans in his district remained among the poorest and most disenfranchised in the state and the country. You may also notice that Mr. Hilliard did not even win his standard boxes such as Selma, Alabama.

Mr. Ford underestimates the raw and basic intelligence of the poor. Because the "good ole boy" connection, yes even in black communities, often means more than merit and because our older brothers and sisters who are leaders often have a sense of entitlement as opposed to a true spirit of service for the people (and I could name many, as I have done my research), Artur had to be smart. He was unsuccessful in his first race ...