LETTER: Torian is non apologetic

Most of us can stop holding our breath for the much needed apology from Luke Torian’s campaign. It’s been made perfectly clear in the Oct. 19 story entitled “Torian and NAACP settle differences.” Luke
Torian thanked NAACP President Ralph Smith for hearing his side, but fell short of apologizing for his actions. And as the article stands, it is apparent that Luke Torian’s position remains the same,
therefore if given the opportunity again, he would do the same. Ralph Smith held to the same standards and reason throughout, and was absolutely correct in relaying the truth to the public in announcing
the initial response of the campaign as stated to him, being, “Luke Torian would not be participating in the NAACP debate due to the fact that his primary opponent would be part of the panel.” A similar
response was given to the public by the Torian campaign.  Lately, the campaign and Luke Torian have down played their initial response to an explanation of “We could not come to an agreement on the
format.”  Mr. Torian is quick to point out that this wasn’t intended to be a slight to the NAACP.

For most, the acts of Mr. Torian and his campaign were an act of irresponsibility, being that no candidate has, or should have, a say so in the format, or panel selection of a debate. It’s absurd to think
that the NAACP should be held to such double standards to afford Mr. Torian’s participation. Mr. Torian did not insist upon this with any other organization that held debates and forums he attended. 
Therefore he owes the NAACP an apology for his inconsideration, his constituents an apology for his campaigns inconsideration, and the panel member he opposed, an apology for his bias against a
constituent.

KACEY SMITH

Woodbridge