My wife and I have been residents of Bristol for over 30 years, having raised two daughters here who attended the local school system. I am writing to tell you that Zachary Cooper’s letter, published by the Bristol Phoenix, was by far the most racist rant I have seen published in any legitimate media outlet within Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.

It is clear that your own guidelines relative to publishing pieces that incorporate “taste, accuracy, fairness and public interest” simply do not apply where racism is concerned. I would also suggest that any reputable news outlet should have the discretion and the fortitude to not publish pieces that engage in personal, vindictive attacks of individuals that have a different point of view. 

Obviously, the Bristol Town Council resolution that supported raising the Black Lives Matter flag over Bristol Town Hall pushed Mr. Cooper over the edge. Reflecting on the testimony of multiple Bristolians who testified on the evening the resolution was affirmed, it is noteworthy that the commentary was respectful, clear and a hopeful example that we may yet have a functioning Democratic process.

It would be one thing for your paper to publish a story on differing points of view. However, publishing this vitriol with over 400 years of documented evidence of oppression of Black people begs the question that perhaps this is truly the paper’s point of view. If this is not the case, at minimum, your newspaper should publish a retraction.

Moreover, you also owe a huge apology to people of color living in Bristol and the East Bay, as this only adds to the trauma and indignities most white people cannot comprehend. This is a shameful reflection on your newspaper, for which you will likely lose subscribers as well as advertising business. I would urge you and your colleagues to make this right.

Ben Lessing
Bristol