From the Fast Lane to Sad Lane: a View of Houston McTear

As an ardent track and field enthusiast, I found your article on Houston McTear to be a gross waste of valuable news space. McTear’s days for headlines are over.

I was deeply saddened by his refusal to accept that he no longer possesses the gift of speed as he once did years ago. Now, I, being black, am not trying to dissuade him from his dream to regain his world-class status, but I feel he is living a false dream. A fantasy.

He is a perfect example of today’s black athletic youth, gifted at one point in life, only to see it ruined by immature decisions, faulty guidance, lack of education and, worst of all, drugs.

Once the ruination occurs, the ambition, aspirations and determination comes to a cease. His socio-economic background has dictated this from the beginning.

And once again, another young black, with what was once immense potential, is thrown back out among the populace. Still, he is uneducated, unemployed and also quite bitter. Dr. Harry Edwards, sociology professor at UC Berkeley, has been proven right again.

EZELL GRAY JR.

Long Beach