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Published Sat, Mar 20, 2010 02:00 AM
Modified Fri, Mar 19, 2010 07:02 PM

Pollitt's heroism

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Tags: news | opinion - mailbag

I wish to protest a most inappropriate headline in The News & Observer on the passing of a great American, Dan Pollitt. According to The N&O, a "Chapel Hill radical dies at 88." A radical spends his life trying to bring sudden and dramatic change. Dan's life was devoted to preserving the best of our country.

Is it being a radical to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II?

Is it being a radical to believe and act as if the U.S. Constitution means what it says, even if that becomes inconvenient for many people?

Is it being a radical to be the voice for those who have no voice in the circles of judicial power, even the U.S. Supreme Court?

Is being for civil rights the act of a radical these days?

We should celebrate the life and career of an American hero, Dan Pollitt.

James J. Gallagher

Kenan Professor Emeritus, UNC-CH

Chapel Hill

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