Bonds and the discomfort with rich black men in America
Sports columnist Richard Pete Peterson argues that America’s unease with prominent black figures echoes across history from Jack Johnson to Roberto Clemente. He recalls Pittsburgh’s racial tensions, Bonds’ case, and public prejudice, urging reflection and resilience amid ongoing bias.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Times Sports
William C. Rhoden
America
Jack Johnson
Paul Robeson
Muhammad Ali
Barack Obama
Ali
Robeson
United States
Barry Bonds
New York
Rhodes
Bonds
Rhoden
Ty Cobb
Carl Mays
Jackie Robinson
Cobb
Baseball Hall of Fame
Cooperstown
Babe Ruth
Honus Wagner
Cy Young
Cleveland
Dodgers
Robinson
Dodger
Branch Rickey
Anita
Pittsburgh
Roberto Clemente
Pirates
Clemente
Nicaragua
The
San Francisco Giants
PNC Park
Letters to the Editor Policy and contact details
The policy outlines letters limited to 250 words, submitted by email, signed with a verified phone number, and published with author name and hometown. It bans libelous or personal attacks, notes editing rights, and lists submission contacts for Carbondale, Murphysboro, De Soto, Williamson County, and general inquiries via The Southern Illinoisan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
Murphysboro
de Soto
Williamson County
Officials contact list for Illinois lawmakers
U S Senator Mark Kirk and U S Representative John Shimkus provide district and Capitol phone numbers along with official websites. State Rep Dan Reitz is listed with local and toll free lines and a personal site.
New Office Not Needed Says Letter to the Editor
Marion reader Gene Castellano objects to Sheila Simon proposing a lieutenant governor office in Carbondale. He argues Illinois is broke and officials should operate from Springfield to handle state business. He urges contact be kept via the capital and criticizes downstate favoritism.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sheila Simon
Carbondale
Illinois
Springfield
Chicago
Gene Castellano
Marion
Latex glove rule for barbers rejected before floor vote
A State Senate Committee heard Senate Bill 155 requiring barbers to wear latex gloves during shaving. The measure faced strong regional and professional support but was rejected due to inconvenience and cost, though initial gloves would cost under 30 cents a pair. Support came from medical, cosmetology, civic leaders, unions, and state officials across parties. plan to refile was urged.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Department of Professional Regulation
Attorney General’s Office
Lieutenant Governor
Wake up IDOT Letter to the Editor on fatal crash risks
A Murphysboro reader laments IDOT for failing to fix a troublesome signal at Illinois 13 and Country Club Road near Wal-Mart. She, the widow of a man who died from improper light operation, speaks for his family and a community demanding safety improvements at the intersection.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
IDOT
Illinois 13
Country Club Road
Wal-Mart
Murphysboro
Vote for the Golden Pen finalists in April
Readers can vote through Thursday for the Gold Pen Award winner. April finalists include George Maroney of Carbondale urging alcohol sales in groceries, William Alley of Marion warning on marijuana legalization, and Ron Yancey of Mounds seeking to end dusky salamander protections. Voting online or by mail with a May 4 letters note.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Maroney
Carbondale
William Alley
Marion
Ron Yancey
Mounds
Illinois
Kentucky
Thesouthern
Gary Metro
The
Southern Illinoisan
Illinois Ave
Community Calls for Action After Close Calls at Intersection
Residents urge IDOT to fix a dangerous intersection after multiple near misses. They ask the public to report close calls to prevent another tragedy and protect families, including children and parents, from harm.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Idot
Mount Vernon Community Message on School Bond Debate
Residents warn against approving a school bond citing past federal aid myths and economic strain. They argue no guaranteed land purchase or tax increase until full state and federal funds arrive, urging fiscal responsibility and repair over new borrowing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New School
Mount Vernon
Also Mentioned on This Page
Richard
Pete” Peterson
Wsiu-Fm
St. Louis
Chicago Tribune
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Gary
Metro
Thesouthern.com
Pete
Peterson
Voice of the
Southern Illinois PO
U.S
Mark Kirk
Kirk
Dick Durbin
Durbin
John Shimkus
House.gov
Shimkus
Jerry Costello
Costello.house
Brandon Phelps
Repphelps
Gmail
Mike Bost
Gary Forby
Mike
Bost
Hotmail.com
David Luechtefeld
Sendavel
Midwest
John Bradley
Dan Reitz
Repreitz
Massac County
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