I have to question why Rev. Jesse Jackson feels he needs to address “racial issues” in Gaffney after five teenagers who reside in Spartanburg County are charged with attacking a 16-year-old who lives here.

The victim is a black Gaffney High senior, while the persons — from Inman and Spartanburg — accused in the attack are white.

I understand Rev. Jackson’s outrage and his anger. I felt the same, even as a white woman removed from the situation. I feel for the family and for the victim and I would love an opportunity to show them stand against racism. I know violence is not the answer, but honestly the thought of giving those responsible a taste of their own medicine has crossed my mind.

According to police accounts of the incident, 16-yearold Isiah Clyburn was walking near his home on Ellis Ferry Road in Grassy Pond when three trucks passed him. Police said one of the passengers yelled a racial slur at the boy, and said the trucks turned around and all five of the boys attacked Clyburn.

A witness managed to get Clyburn into his vehicle and called 9-1-1. The boy is still being treated for his injuries.

Sheriff’s deputies have charged 16-year-old Luke Grice, 18-year-old Justin Ashley Phillips, 17-year-old Kenneth Eugene Miller Jr., 17-year-old Christopher Scott Cates, all of Inman, and 17-year-old Jerry Christopher Toney of Spartanburg with second-degree lynching. Miller also faces a charge of reckless driving. Grice is a juvenile, but has been charged as an adult.

A conviction for 2nd-degree lynching carries a sentence of not less than three years and up to a maximum of 20 years. None of the boys have prior records. Cates has a pending charge in Spartanburg County for malicious injury to property.

Rev. Jackson believes the U.S. Attorney’s Office should become involved to determine if a hate crime has been committed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Alan Gray said Thursday his office is looking into the case to determine if federal law would be more applicable in the case.

A “hate crime” or civil rights violation occurs when an individual is threatened or assaulted in a protected area because of his or her race, ethnicity or religion. Hotels, restaurants and playgrounds are considered protected areas. Gray said streets can also be protected areas.

A civil rights violation is punishable by up to 10 years, if a physical assault occurs. If it involves threats or harassment only, a violation can be punishable by one year. If there is a death as a result of the civil rights violation, the person responsible can face life in prison or the death penalty.

I know that the victim will forever remember this violent and evil attack, and nothing can ever fix the situation completely. But I believe our local officers have issued a hefty charge on the boys and they will get a significant punishment if found guilty. If convicted they will spend a minimum of three years in prison, a significant sentence for a teenager. They will have no family, no friends, and no friendly faces.

And, if they are found guilty, they really don’t deserve any.

I agree with Rev. Jackson when he questioned the stipulations of the $50,000 bond. There are options to require house arrest with an electronic-monitoring device that must be worn around the suspect’s ankle.

Instead these boys were allowed out on bond with only a 9 p.m. curfew.

But when Jackson said he should go to Gaffney “to address racial issues” and “to educate people” that upset me. The people I spoke with in the days following the lynching were angered, upset and disgusted with the incident.

The persons charged in this case are not from Cherokee County. I think the people of Cherokee County, regardless of race, stand beside Isiah Clyburn and his family.