It's very gratifying to see that there are African Americans who think very highly of themselves without having to qualify that self-respect with if, ands or buts. It is always a breathe of fresh air when we unequivocally stand up and denounce any and all attempts to relegate African Americans to standards lower than the rest of human-kind. There are many demeaning and degrading words in the English lanuage, but none so low as that of the n-word and a hearty salute to all of those of us who have the decency and decorum to rise above such stench.