Unable to see

I read with dismayVan de Kamp’s attack of Bishop Antonio Palmer. Van de Kamp appears unable to comprehend systemic racism — the very issue that Palmer was addressing (The Capital, Oct. 13).

His rebuttal to Palmer’s calling out President DonaldTrump’s “lack of justice” involved identifying the First Step Act and one pardoned person.

Trump’s lack of justice abounds, including rolling back anti-segregation housing policies, disregarding federal and international law regarding asylum seekers, stopping an EEOC rule that companies must disclose salaries by race, gender, and ethnicity, etc.

InMarch, Pope JohnPaul II gave a papal apology for the sins of the Catholic Church, including racism. He did not say, as Van de Kamp did, that Catholic Charities “serves hot meals” or a church “has helped African Americans forestall evictions.” Hewas addressing the systemic nature of this aswas Palmer.

The very need for hot meals and forestalled evictions is indicative of institutionalized and systemic racism. Those band-aids are necessary, but they are no substitute for taking action to dismantle the systems that differentially impact people of color.

Van de Kamp brands Palmer as a “leftist” who is blaming the “other side.” He can’t see thatPalmer is living out Micah 6:8: “What does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and towalk humbly with your God.”

Showing Up for Racial Justice Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (SURJ3A) connects with organizations in the community for the benefit of all. We want equity in housing, health care, jobs, education, etc.

If you are interested in building a multi-racial movement for social equity and justice, please join us. You can contact us at surjannapolis@gmail.com! Let the heartbeat of antiracism be mutual aid and justice. LINNIE GIRDNER Gambrills