Does Skip Alston Have Selective Memory? Or Did He Lie?

The print version of "The Inside Scoop" reveals that Melvin "Skip" Alston plans to run again for president of the state NAACP.

Apparently, at least one person plans to run against Alston: The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, senior pastor of the Green Leaf Christian Church of Goldsboro.

Alston had this to say about his potential opponent: "I know him very well and respect him highly. I told him I wish him well but I was going to try to keep my job."

According to Inside Scoop, Alston indicated that he has run unopposed for his past two two-year terms.

But I seem to recall Alston having had competition for our state NAACP's top spot in 2001.

Back then, a News & Record story ("Alston gets re-elected state chief of NAACP," Oct. 17) revealed this gem of a quote by Alston about the person he defeated to keep his post:

You shoot at the king and miss, then you don't get to be a part of his court any more.

I remember that quote because it inspired me to write a letter to the editor ("Alston again reveals arrogant attitude," Oct. 23).

That letter began, "King Skip Alston pondered all the wise, noble things he could say and settled on taking a cheap shot at the woman who dared run against him."

Unless I misread the Inside Scoop article, or unless Alston was misquoted, he HAS NOT run unopposed for his last two terms.

If Alston lied or relied upon selective memory, I hope that Inside Scoop will make that known.

I do not know the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, but if he is worthy, I hope our state NAACP elects him to replace Alston.

Perhaps North Carolina's NAACP needs a new king.