Posted By: Dilip Dhokia (4:08am 08-10-2008)

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A fantastic example of a person renouncing the moronic imbecility of race hate and embracing the virtue of brotherhood with all humanity. Let's hope other narrow-minded people follow Tom "TJ" Leyden's example.

Posted By: J (1:29pm 08-06-2008)

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That's nice - now how about the million or so other racists in WV?

And there's a big difference between "exclusionary hate group" (that's the Aryan Nations, National Alliance) and "advocacy group" or something geared towards a certain ethnicity (that's BET, the Latin Grammys, etc).

Other races have been excluded from mainstream (read: white) TV shows and for years - either on the sly or outright - so they started their own events and channels. Does that really bother you so much?

Posted By: Hillabilly (8:23am 08-06-2008)

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It takes a "big" man to admit his past mistakes. Mr. Leyden is to be commended for this change in his life for the better. Will everyone like it? Obviously, not. Some willingly choose to continue following the path of self-righteousness and self-exaltation. It's easier to write-off people by their skin color or nationality than it is to be a friend and try to help another become a better person.

As for Mr. Leyden's past, who hasn't made mistakes in their past? It's what we do about them that makes the difference. Assuming, of course, that we are willing to be honest with ourselves and others. If not, willful blindness will persist. We become "better" than others by whatever standard it is we choose to establish. And, for the strangest reason, we simply don't understand why everyone doesn't "buy" into our thinking. I, for one, am glad Mr. Leyden chose to realize his mistakes and make the necessary corrections in his life. Perhaps more should follow his example!

Posted By: globalWV (7:38am 08-06-2008)

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I see we have some racist white supremacists already posting on this article to try and discredit Mr. Leydon. However, Charleston and WV aren't buying into your hopeless hate-filled snake oil. West Virginians are about equality and loving our fellow man/woman, no matter what they look like or where they came from. That's how Mountaineers roll.

The movement to spread inclusiveness and value people of all types is growing stronger and will continue to in the Great State of West Virginia!

Posted By: truthhertzdonut (2:44am 08-06-2008)

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STOP exclusionary hate groups: NAACP, the Urban League, the League of Women Voters, Knights of Columbus, the Latin Grammies,

Posted By: encouraged (1:26am 08-06-2008)

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I am encouraged by this article.In my opinion,to end racism is what we should all strive for.Everyone!The only way that is going to end is for groups to quit separating themselves.For example,BET,Black Miss America,and other organizations that separate by race.If whites did that,it would be called racism.Lets be fair here.I am not speaking of only our black neighbors but also our hispanic,indian, whatever group that does not include all.Why does race even factor into anything?This is the year 2009.To me, Obama is a man, just like McCain is a man.I do not even think about the color of his skin.I was raised by a very racist grandmother and I never understood.Fortunately,my brother and I saw differently and have raised our families differently than we were raised.This country needs to stop allowing functions that separate and demand inclusion.Racism is ignorance and there is no place for that in todays society.Teach our youth better.All are equal in the eyes of our Lord.God Bless!