I thought I would compile some of the comments that I have received recently from people who live in Paris, Texas.

From Paris Girl:

I am from Paris, Texas. I still live here to this day and I graduated from Paris High School and was a part of PISD for as long as I can remember. First, the facts, Miss Cotton is a menace to society! The child and her mother both constantly look for someone who "MAY" be treating them unfairly. She pushed a hall monitor. Someone who takes there time to watch over our children and teach them. Someone we depend upon to make sure that our schools are safe and that OUR children, the ones that are taught manners and not to disrespect people, young or old, are safe. Plain and simple, pushing a hall monitor, a teacher, a principal, another student, anyone….wrong.

The 58 year old woman that she pushed was an elder to her. I don't know about you, but my parents taught me to respect my elders. Do you let your children walk around pushing others who tell them to be quiet? The child has been in trouble numerous times (around 17 i think) and the school district has exhausted all means of punishment. In fact, if my sources are correct, which I believe they are because I work in the legal field, Miss Cotton's mother is the one who insisted upon a jury trial (which was made up of predominately black people) where that jury convicted her. Judge Superville offered her probation and she and her mother both said that they would not obey and participate!

I hear so many people say…and i heard them say yesterday at their protest…WE WANT TO BE TREATED THE SAME. Raise your children the same

From Phoenix Acropolis:

Shawn, Your comments are interesting and thought provoking but they still do not negate the fact that what happened to Shaquanda Cotton is an outrage. Paris, Tx. was my hometown in the past as well. So I am familiar with and share SOME of your sentiments. But regardless, what happened to Shaquanda Cotton was, is, and will always be WRONG.

From ParisTexasMom:

I'm from Paris. I agree with some things you say…but some other things are simply not true. I agree racism happens here…do I think it is worse than other demographicallly comparable towns…no. Is housing mostly segregated? Yes. But tell me why when a black family moves into a predominantly white neighborhood, they are called traitors and "trying to act white" by their black peers? Unfortunately, racism exists, but I do believe it is getting better and have hopes that one day, it will not exist at all.

On the Cotton case, this was not the first time this girl had been in trouble and she did not get 7 years in prison. She had been in trouble 17 times and had exhausted all punishments available through the school district. And the judge, who is often known for his softness, has said in the local paper that he would've supported probabtion if her mother was willing to cooperate. Four black school officials testified against her.

The judge gave her an indeterminate sentence, which means she gets out when she cools off and is willing to follow the rules. She could be out in less than a year, depending on how much she is willing to give to her own cause. She COULD be there up to 7 years, if it takes her that long to conform to the rules.

From twill:

I too am a product of the Paris school systems & I applaud your efforts to educate the miseducated" about the fact surrouding this controversial issue. I guess what we need to do is try to figure out how heal a wound that is festering to a boil.

How do you reapair the riff that is developing in a community that obviously needs healing? Her mother needs to pray to God for guidance in this matter & accept that it is all a part of his devine plan. Shaquanda is a child that obviously made a mistake, which we all have done as a child.

She is caught up in this madness & is ultimately the one who is suffering. Can this matter be rectified without loosing sight of the most important issue the welfare and well-being of Shaquanda an all the children in Paris?

From paris tx usa:

I live in Paris and I applaud your article. If a parent has a hard time just controlling their own children how can they hold teachers and schools to a different standard? Raising kids is hard. Raising kids as a young single mother is even harder. I know because I was one. If I hadn't worked hard to complete school and college I too would have been committing me and my child to a life of poverty. This is true for all people. Sir, I respect you, your experiences and your insite. I agree that alot of the school issues can be curtailed by a huge consistant dose of family values in all families. Spend time together. Give kids responsibility in the home. Make education a must. Love and laugh with one another. Find a church home where God is celebrated and reveered. I fear that we are loosing our children. Common courtesy is shrinking.

I am disheartened by all of the hateful, nasty, threatfilled blog posts that are out there concerning the Cotton young lady. Sir, I can tell you that most of the blogs and posts that I have read are partial truths and inflammatory exaggerations leaving out facts only to further "a cause." Please help me understand how inflammatory speech and calls to violence will help this child or decrease the racism so profoundly professed and demonstrated?

I agree that there is still inequality in our society, however what is being done is not bridging the gaps in that inequality it is only sparking more division. Not just in the small town of Paris, but essentially across the US.

From me: 

Thanks to everyuone who has visited the site for the first time in the last couple of weeks, and thanks for your comments.