U.S. Marshal, Ret. Former Helms Aide Raleigh --------------------------------------------------------- Well now, President Bush trades with Iran, Jesse Helms never apologized for his often racist views ... where is a true patriot? L.F. Eason, that is a patriot! A man willing to leave his own job, standing up for what he believes is right. And L.F. Eason was correct in refusing to participate in honoring Helms, who refused to honor all Americans.If more politicians were like Eason, there’s no telling what negatives could be turned into positives in our lives. Karen D. Walton
Raleigh --------------------------------------------------------- Regardless of political preferences or personal opinion, L.F. Eason III was employed by the state of North Carolina. By disregarding a directive of his superiors, he displayed willful and intentional insubordination ... even after being given opportunities to comply.Our tax dollars are not intended for such behavior.Mark Parker
Graham --------------------------------------------------------- When driving into downtown Raleigh the past few days, I have been deeply affected by the lowering of flags to half-staff to honor Jesse Helms. I can’t help thinking of the hatred and horrible times that African-Americans must be reminded of upon seeing this honor bestowed upon Helms.L.F. Eason III is a true hero for using Martin Luther King’s principle of nonviolent protest in refusing to lower the flag at the government building at which he was a supervisor. He should be rehired immediately as his act was the highest example of the appropriate use of American freedom.Helms, on the other hand, was a coward who railed against Dr. King and any hope of change for African-Americans. Helms was a coward who was afraid of what change might mean for the “Southern” way of life. As I listened to the accolades lavished upon Helms, I could not help but think that history is being rewritten and mourn for the African-Americans who suffered the results of the hatred and invective of him and his cowardly friends. Jeff Seigle
Raleigh --------------------------------------------------------- I have a new hero thanks to L.F. Eason. Thank goodness someone in this state stood up against the hate and intolerance that Jesse Helms stood for and was not pushed to do something he did not believe in. There will be a lot who will disagree with him, but I think even more will respect him for saying what a lot of us know is true. Don Barefoot
Durham --------------------------------------------------------- I commend L.F. Eason for standing by his principles and demonstrating courage by refusing to lower the flag for Jesse Helms’ passing. Much like Helms, Eason showed his determination. Sandy Simone
Raleigh --------------------------------------------------------- Regarding the article July 9 about L.F. Eason III at the N.C. Standards Laboratory:I would just like to say to Eason: Good for you! Terri Dowd
Wake Forest --------------------------------------------------------- It was good to see that state government is rid of one more self-important, pompous do-gooder. ... And exactly what I would expect from The N&O was to publish this garbage on the front page.Fred Alphin
Apex --------------------------------------------------------- In a free country, L.F. Eason, who worked for the state, certainly has his right to think what he wants to, but it is not his decision about state policy to lower the flag when a dignitary dies. If he was right in what he did, then I want apologies from the state for lowering the flag for some dignitaries whom I didn’t like before Sen. Jesse Helms died.Eason should have all his benefits rescinded and his record with the state wiped from the record book as a former employee. It’s too bad we have people like Eason having jobs with the government. If this guy is permitted to get away with this and be rewarded with lifetime benefits, then I insist on having a check sent to me each month as a taxpaying retired citizen. Frank Farlow
Raleigh --------------------------------------------------------- Evidently, I am missing something. The majority of the Helms supporters always stated how Jesse Helms stood firm in his convictions or whatever he believed in, yet L.F. Eason stood for what he believed in and lost his job after 29 years. My question is: When is it right to stand for what you believe in? Bobbie A. Jones
Raleigh
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