LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Racism eroding by generations

8/28/2013

As I watched events leading up to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, my memory turned to the original march in 1963 (“D.C. crowd hails goal of King speech; Gathering marks legacy, advocates a better future,” Aug. 25).

On the day after the march and the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, my relatives and I gathered for a birthday celebration. I was stunned at the negativity and overt racism displayed by some of my relatives as they discussed the march.

That racially biased meme must have come down the generations. Fortunately, its generational movement was halted by me. We all have the power to do this, because racial bias is not a given outcome as generations move forward.

One of the speakers during the anniversary march said that he was pleased at the progress in tolerance that can be seen in each new generation. Youths clearly are more tolerant toward those who were once labeled “those people.”

I hope intolerance will be gone soon. Then we surely will be able to declare that all men and women are created equal.

DENIS EBLE
Sylvania Township

 

Character issues transcend race
I too would like to see the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream become reality. But that will never happen when people assume discrimination. Those who want to be judged on their character — black or white — should ask themselves these questions:

Did I graduate from high school? Do I have a criminal record? If I fathered or birthed a child, who is supporting that child? Am I able to speak standard English? Do I go to job interviews wearing a do-rag and sagging pants?

How’s my credit report? Have I done anything to prepare myself to function in the real world? Can I read and write? Do I understand these questions are not discriminatory?

JOSEPH PFLAGER
Maumee

 

Baha’i story failed to note points
Your Aug. 10 article “Persecution continues against Baha’i faith; Local observers shocked at Iran’s latest call to shun” quoted a Baha’i follower: “There’s a long history of persecution since the inception of the Baha’i faith 170 years ago. The Baha’is in the land of its birth, but also throughout the Middle East, have been persecuted.” That is not altogether true.

The exception is Israel, where Baha’is enjoy the freedom to practice their faith in peace and security, as do people of all other religions, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews. This stands in stark contrast to the lack of tolerance of other faiths in Iran and other nations in the Mideast.

The world headquarters of the Baha’i faith is in Haifa, Israel. Numerous visitors come there each year to enjoy the beauty of the gardens and walkways.

Your article was remiss in not including those facts.

DAVID COHEN
Sylvania

 

Duggars not suited to talk of abortion
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar brought 17 of their 19 children to Columbus to lend their support to a severely restrictive abortion bill (“Ohio abortion bill could be strictest in U.S., ‘Heartbeat’ plan might impose ban at 6 weeks,” Aug. 16).

Abortion is an important issue worthy of heartfelt consideration.

But do a couple who seem to breed children for the purpose of supporting themselves with a reality TV show demonstrate a meaningful commitment to the sanctity of human life?

STUART CUBBON
Kenwood Boulevard