TAKES ISSUE WITH DRUG PIECE QUOTES

Editor, Enterprise-Journal:

Concerning your headline on June 26, "Lawmen fight new battle," I
sympathize with the fact that our country has a severe drug problem.

We all have our own battles to fight. Just being in business since the 9/11
attack is a battle trying to keep the doors open. Businesses do not need
any additional problem - negative statements made by anyone. I realize no
one is perfect, but it might be a good idea to sweep around our own doors
before throwing rocks at someone else.

I would also like to address the comment made in Wednesday's paper, June
26, in reference to "meth monkeys" and the Rebel flag. Race car drivers
were stereotyped and quoted as being prime suspects. It is a shame that
people have to be judged in this manner. I have had a business in Pike
County for 12 years, Pike County Speedway. There are many fine people who
participate in the races on a weekly basis and even more who come to watch.

After reading the comments made, I wonder how many new fans this will
generate or how many current fans will leave? We have many upper-class
professionals who race with us, as well as the local hard-working middle
class. A great number of our racers are Christians.

As far as the comment on the Rebel flag, my daughter-in-law has a Rebel
flag on her race car. She is a true Southerner and a very accomplished
late-model race car driver who graduated from LSU with a major in business.
I am sure her dad, who owns the largest carpet company in Baton Rouge,
would not appreciate her being searched, nor would my son, her husband.

Since I was born and bred a true Southerner, right here in Pike County, I'm
kind of fond of the Rebel flag myself, as well as the Ole Miss Rebels who
fly it proudly. I don't condone any illegal drugs in any form.

However, I believe someone owes the racing community a formal apology since
it is the "most watched sport in the world." I further believe that any
future cheap shots or negative statements be carefully thought out before
being made.

Donnie Smith

Owner/Operator, Pike County Speedway