Confronting racist thinking
We live in a society that is in complete denial about its racist thinking. Whether racist doctrine is taught in the home or covertly permeated into the psyche of white people by the media, it is a fact that the majority think that they are superior to people of color, particularly African Americans. The most horrific aspect of this phenomenon is that most African Americans believe this absurdity, too, and consequently feel inferior. One of the major underlying reasons for this thinking has to do with our religious teaching. While growing up, I can remember the first time I saw a picture of Jesus. He was caucasian with blue eyes and blond hair, incidentally the symbols of beauty in white America. The most astonishing thing about this is that I accepted it as fact. I am positive that this has been the attitude of most Americans through many generations. What a tragedy. Regardless of whether or not this was intentional, the damage has been done and is still being done.
Is there any wonder why whites felt that blacks were less than human at the writing of the U.S. Constitution? Is there any wonder why whites feel that they know what is best for blacks and as a result can dictate their leaders, friends and foes? Is it any wonder that whites feel that a black life is less than a white life? Is it any wonder why justifiable homicide is nothing more than a cliche when blacks are slain at the hands of whites?
I believe that the so-called men and women of God could arrive at some understanding with respect to the things of God, instead of following the leaders who have accepted second-hand, cunningly-devised fables of men, which have been passed on through generations as truth. We could get a better understanding about this plague known as racism.
Truth will reveal itself to the sincere seeker. God is life, and we all are partakers of that life. It doesn’t matter whether we are male, female, homosexual, bisexual children, Catholic or Methodist or any other type of human life, we all share the very life of God.
When we know this truth from the depths of our hearts, then we will do unto others, as we would have them do unto us. This knowing will cause the color of our skin, gender, sexual preference, religious beliefs and every other thing that seems to divide our oneness to fade away. This knowing will truly change America; not religion but knowledge of who we are in divine intelligence. When that day rises from the ashes of falsehood justifiable homicide will be a reality in our court systems.
Long live our little brother Ellerbe, who remains a portion of us all.
Ron Dennis
Uniontown
People make mistakes
I’m writing this letter to express my disappointment and disgust at the news media regarding the inconsiderate and immoral report of the personal life of Kyle and Marsha Sneddon. I don’t recall ever reading a front page story regarding all the lives Marsha has touched throughout her wonderful nursing career (I’m sure, knowing her kind, quiet and caring disposition there have been many).
I’m almost certain I also must have missed all the stories about Kyle’s work and efforts to protect and serve the men, women, and children of Uniontown. Something tells me he has put his life in jeopardy more than once to protect us all.
The point is, Kyle and Marsha are people, people make mistakes, it could happen to anyone, but I doubt it would be plastered all over the front page if it were you or I. Why does the media thrive on reporting negative stories to purposely turn lives upside down?
This is a family that has affected more lives than most; they are caring and dedicated. They should be left to put their mistakes behind them and resume what God put them on this Earth to do. They both have done a fantastic job so far and we need them. I personally feel very safe at night knowing Kyle is out there making Uniontown a safer place. God forbid anything should ever happen; one thing is for sure, I know I would trust them both with my life and the lives of my family.
Jill Hughes
Farmington