The Rhino Times did not post letters to the editor over the weekend. I am just seeing this now, on Sept. 2, and am posting it. I can’t find “Namaste Man” so I am assuming the comments referred to are on some other platform. When I determine a comment to be racist, I do not run it, though admittedly it is sometimes a difficult judgement call. Scott Yost.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am submitting this statement to both the Rhino Times and the Federal Communications Commission to formally document my concerns regarding the handling of public commentary on my published op-ed, “Candidate Says Real Leadership Doesn’t Hide Behind Yard Signs” (August 30, 2025).
Following the publication, an individual—referred to online as “Namaste Man”—posted inflammatory and dismissive remarks about my campaign, including false claims that I have “nothing” on my account and that my name is “repetitive nothing.” These comments not only misrepresent my platform and programs but also reflect a pattern of coded, racially targeted language that others in the community have found offensive and unacceptable.
I submitted a direct response to these remarks, clarifying my platform and correcting the record. However, The Rhino Times has failed to publish my reply and has ignored multiple requests to remove the inflammatory comments and disable further commentary on my letter. This silence is not just editorial negligence—it is complicity in allowing targeted harassment to persist unchecked.
I am formally requesting that The Rhino Times delete all comments associated with my op-ed and place a lock on further commenting to prevent additional misuse of the platform. This is a reasonable and necessary step to protect the integrity of public dialogue and ensure that candidates are not subjected to unchecked abuse in a space meant for civic engagement.
I will not engage further with individuals who seek to distort my message or bait me into unproductive conflict. My record speaks for itself, and my campaign remains focused on solutions, transparency, and direct engagement with voters.
This statement is being shared publicly and formally submitted to the FCC for review. I will continue to document and report any further instances of targeted or discriminatory commentary that undermine the integrity of this election.
Sincerely,
Dr. LaToya B. Gathers
Candidate for Greensboro City Council At-Large
Dr. LaToya B. Gathers
“I am formally requesting that The Rhino Times delete all comments associated with my op-ed and place a lock on further commenting to prevent additional misuse of the platform. This is a reasonable and necessary step to protect the integrity of public dialogue and ensure that candidates are not subjected to unchecked abuse in a space meant for civic engagement.”
I interpret this “formal request” statement as a “formal request” to censor individuals right to free speech and expression of their opinion. Granted I am not a Constitutional scholar (although I did stay in a Holiday Inn a few times) but as I said, I view this a and attempt to shut down We the People who don’t agree with this individual.
What frightens me is this person wants to be a Representative of the People. Representatives speak and act FOR the people and roll with the slings and arrows. We need more politicians like the late great Howard Coble, not Nicolás Maduro Moros.
I apologize for the typos. Cold medication is the pits.
.
No-one knows who this mysterious “Namaste Man” is, or where to find the comments that LBG finds so upsetting – not even the Editor of this newspaper. If the comments appeared elsewhere, LBG needs to direct her grievances there. Nothing to do with The Rhino Times.
Separately, she sure is thin skinned ain’t she? Thin skinned people shouldn’t enter politics. And only a closet Fascist would try to shut down criticism of her own precious self.
Ever heard of the First Amendment, “Doctor” ? It guarantees free speech, even if you don’t like it.
The good doctor’s website says she likes to push boundaries and ensure that every individual is heard. Might want to change that and say only opinions I agree with should be heard.