A typical case was an editorial in the Charleston Gazette, a raving-liberal West Virginia newspaper which is an embarrassment to an otherwise decent state. Raw racism seems to be the motive. . . . As we've said before, Americans generally are decent, compassionate people who don't feel racial hate. Extreme bigots presumably are starting the fires, even though investigators haven't yet found evidence of an organized conspiracy. Our guess is that a few white rednecks, half drunk in a Southern roadhouse, see a TV report of a black church burning and decide to inflict the same punishment on blacks in their vicinity.
Churches are a natural target for race-haters. . . .
Just because they're idiots doesn't mean they aren't disgusting criminals who must be locked in prison. The wave of black church fires has gripped the conscience of America. Leaders and groups at every level are calling for a national crackdown. Decent Americans who feel no hostility should lend their voices to the outcry and exert pressure until all the arsonists are prosecuted. . . Racism seems to be the motive.