Happy anniversary

In May 1992, I wrote my first letter to the AV Press. Back then, letters had to be mailed in. Sometimes, my letters would not get published because former editor Norman Shoaf preferred letters written by conservatives.

I would like to thank the many readers over the years who have given me compliments about my letters. It is very humbling to me. It does not seem like it has been 30 years. Racist remarks about Hispanics and African Americans were written by readers back then.

After I wrote my first letter, here is what was written in response by white conservatives about African Americans: “Racism exists because Black people keep bringing it up”; “Blacks have the advantage over us because of affirmative action.”; “There are black people I know who are lazy.” I will share other experiences later to reflect upon my many years of writing.

Years later, the demographics changed in the Antelope Valley. The white population began declining, Later, two of the prior editors were asking me for help in having more Democrats write.

The editors were turned off by the racist remarks by conservative writers. However, current editor Jennifer Garcia was the only editor to address the problem. Sometimes I wonder how many letters Ms. Garcia would print that contains racist content.

I go out of the way to write the best letter. The invention of the Internet has been a very big asset to me. What has been a turnoff for me over the years? The number of writers who believe their opinions are to be construed as fact.

The white conservatives who arrogantly are unable to admit mistakes by Republicans over the years.

They claim patriotism to this country while refusing to work together to achieve common goals.

Vincent White Lancaster