Bill Cosby, political debate: Second look

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Bill Cosby has become headline news because of numerous accusations of sexual assaults, which allegedly occurred many years ago ("Cosby rape allegations prompt more questions: Your Say").

The lamentable saga has Cosby facing disgrace. Nevertheless, there will be proponents and detractors in this regrettable situation. Regardless of the outcome of this latest celebrity debacle, people would do well to remember the following wisdom: One should not have heroes, but if one insists on having them, don't stand too close.

Leon J. Hoffman; Chicago

GOP biased?

I find it interesting that columnist DeWayne Wickham swipes at the whole GOP based on one racially charged term ("Wickham: GOP shows disdain for blacks"). How unfortunate that he feels that "the use of race-based double entendres seems to have increased in recent years as the GOP has become a political party with virtually no black support" and that dislike of the president is "rooted in a visceral contempt for blacks." It is unfortunate that a leader in higher education paints the whole GOP with the "racism" tag. I challenge Wickham to defend the policies of a less-than-transparent administration rather than stoop to race-baiting argument.

Frank Basler; East Taunton, Mass.