Racism still a problem
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:01 AM PDT
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E-mail this articleJune 10 Letters to the Editor
Racism still a problem
I read Emily S. Otton’s (June 5) letter and was saddened because she received an introduction to America today. Her former “friend” is so very typical of the subtle racism that’s prevalent today.
I was raised in the South by a father who was a native Texan. We were (and still are) Jewish. Although I was told in Sunday school to be proud of my heritage, I also received an underlying message of not to flaunt. I’m sure now that my father was influenced by the Holocaust, the McCarthy era hearings and the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg scandal. Unfortunately, he never recovered from any of it.
I graduated in 1968 from Little Rock Central High School. Those of you into history may remember this school as a terrific integration struggle in the fall of 1957. Little Rock got to vent its hatred on national TV in front of the nation.
I grew up with the signs “White Only” and “Colored Only” on bathrooms, water fountains, waiting rooms and restaurants. At the age of 7, I couldn’t figure out why, if these nice ladies who worked in our homes , bathed us, fed us and put us to bed, did our cooking and laundry suddenly became dangerous if we sat next to them in public. We played with their kids. And we listened to their wisdom. And yet, it was extremely dangerous to sit next to their children in school. I was mystified then, as I am now.
Lisa Alpert
Longview
Would writers abolish U.S. Senate
Since Syndi Bay (May 26 letter) and Carl Torgerson (June 4 letter) think the Electoral College should be eliminated or at least overhauled, I wonder if they think the U.S. Senate should be abolished. Each state has two senators regardless of population.
Bay says, “Our nation is in a fight for its life ....” I agree with that, but doubt that she understands the problem. Socialism under the name of liberalism is going to kill this country.
Marv McCully
Longview
Horns had special meaning
Several years ago my father decided my son should have a cabin for he and his buddies to hang out in. My father bought the supplies and my husband built him a cabin with bunks, windows, etc. As you can imagine, it is a cabin that any 10-year-old would love to have. We painted it a green color with darker trim to blend into the surrounding trees and my father proudly hung two sets of elk horns.
About two weeks ago we noticed that one set of the horns was missing and, upon checking this out, found the one set of horns were literally ripped off the cabin, as they were securely placed.
Now these are not just any set of horns. These were the horns of an elk that my father and deceased brother shot back when people hunted for the food. The set that was stolen is from the first elk my 16-year-old brother shot over 40 years ago. Some would call this rack a five point and some would call it a six point due to its unusual growth. We never gave it a second thought that these horns would have any meaning to anyone else.
If anyone has heard someone bolstering about these horns or a hunting tale that is suspicious, we would love to know more, as these horns have a story behind them with great meaning to our family.
Lori Chinchen
Kelso
Teach kids respect
I recently read the article about teens “obsessed” with texting and I was disappointed in the comments that had been left online at www.tdn.com concerning the article. Parents left most comments and really surprised me with what most had said. Numerous comments stated that the cell phones need to be taken away or just not brought to school.
As a teenager, I disagree with these parents because cell phones are one of our references of safety before, during and after school. Cell phones are a safety line for us high school students because we use them to stay in contact with our parents. I believe that a student should put their phone away when asked by a teacher and, if they do not, then maybe it is the parent’s fault for not teaching their child to have respect for others.
So, before parents point the finger at their child, maybe they should understand that the child acts the way they do because of the morals they should have been taught growing up. I take all blame for my actions and my words, but I also have respect for my teachers and know when to behave like an adult and put my phone away. Just talk to your kids. They should listen. After all, you did teach them respect, right?
April Bryant
Kelso High School Student
Public service is appreciated
The Veterans of Foreign Wars want to thank the Cowlitz Animal Clinic for recognizing our local veterans this past Memorial Day.
Drs. Stephans and Werrick, and the staff of Cowlitz Animal Clinic provided veterinary care to needy veterans’ pets over the holiday. Their community service project was very much appreciated by the members of District 16 of the Washington VFW, with Posts in Toutle Lake, Cathlamet, Long Beach, Longview and Kelso. Thank you for serving our local veterans.
Rob Roche
District 16 Commander
Little freedom in China
Western media have their views, good or indifferent. The U.S. government works with China and other countries for a better world. Unlike China’s government, the U.S. and other countries have freedom of press and speech. It is American officials who put an end to lead-laced toys, to tainted pet food (that China's government let pass through).
China is a communist country.
National Georgraphic on China (May 2008) is a must to read. “Capitalism will not bring democracy to China,” writes James Mann, author of “The China Fantasy.” China’s Internet is a surveillance tool for demotion, dismissal or imprisonment. China sends daily directives to journalists on how to cover the news.
“As other authoritarian leaders around the world seek to stifle political opposition, they look to China as a model,” writes Allan Maisson. China’s government has let the Yellow River succumb to pollution. Some people won’t be going to the Olympics due to the pollution. The Dali Lama dares not enter China.
The Chinese government has oil investments and loans with Angola and Sudan, while largely ignoring corruption and human rights abuse.
Sincere hearts of China are not enough to change their government, as any attempts to speak or act against this government leads to imprisonment or death.
Angela Piland
Kelso
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