How did a ‘racist’ country elect Obama twice?
I’ve been advised to do some reading to enlighten me concerning my views on racism. See letter of Sunday, June 28.
I’m not too interested in reading anything by authors with an agenda, so I think I’ll pass.
Instead, I would recommend Ms. Tchudi take a little time to read the weekly column by Walter Williams. Or listen to the speeches of Justice Clarence Thomas or Secretary Dr. Ben Carson. There are many other Black men and women with rational voices that aren’t soul brothers or sisters of Al Sharpton.
For a country that’s racist, it’s not easy to explain the great variety of races represented in Congress, and by civic leaders, high government officials, military brass, etc. How did a systemically racist country elect Obama as president? Twice?
Incidentally, I’ve lived through the terms of 14 presidents. Obama and his administration were the most openly racist of them all.
This country has well publicized, rigorous laws specifically written to punish racism.
Are there still racists? Of course. Racists are generally lowlifes with such low self esteem they need to believe there’s someone below them on the evolutionary ladder. Or with personal problems they need to blame on someone else. And not all of those folks are Caucasians.
Today’s racist politics should be obvious to anyone as another attempt by “progressives” to gain control. Intimidation is the name of that game.
— Jack McWherter, Cherokee
City Plaza could be unifying symbol
For almost five years, Chico Friends on the Street has been on City Plaza, every Sunday. We’ve distributed sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, bread, pastries, juice, water, coffee, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets, tents, packs, socks, pants, shirts, shoes, soap, tampons, toilet paper, razors, combs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, masks and other items.
This was never entirely about charity; rather, it was a protest of our vicious anti-homeless laws and a gathering meant to affirm the rights of all people to our public space. Looking across the plaza, I’ve been heartened to see the homeless at HOME, at least one day a week. In a space offering some sense of relief from alienation and the invasive, often punitive policing that makes a difficult life even more difficult.
As the Jesus Center abandons its post as an unconditional charity of last resort, we need to consider making the plaza a “distribution hub,” every day of the week — not just Sunday. We need to think of the plaza, even more, as a unifying symbol where we uphold the rights and welfare of the oppressed. Meeting basic needs is a powerful vehicle.
I’m happy to see that our green spaces are now accessible to the homeless. Where some see blight, others of us see generosity: the sharing of our commons with those in need of a place to simply pitch a tent and lay their heads. Going forward, questions of justice and compassion in the public space will be on the front burner. How will we answer?