Sincere outreach needed to heal racial divide
I am a 74-year-old white woman. I have lived in the South most of my life and have witnessed white bigotry up close. What is troubling about racial prejudice is the ease with which we pass it on to children and how un-Christian it is. Do we really believe God created a superior race, that the N-word is an OK word, and that children are to be taught such? Black Americans have much wisdom to offer. Our redemption rests on opening up to their world in hopes we might be welcomed. Much can be gained by embracing our fears. The meeting of two souls not at all different, not at all inferior, is the way to heaven. Salvation is through our brothers and sisters who we have allowed ourselves and encouraged our children to look down upon, to ignore, even to hate. Within a sincere outreach lies the kingdom, and the only real power and our eternal glory.
FRANCIE SMITH ROUNTREE, DAWSONVILLE
Destruction by some weakens chances for improvement
I applaud Herschel Walker’s comments on Atlanta’s current situation in “Herschel ready to help if called upon” (Sports, July 8). Walker has looked at this situation from the perspective of a Georgian interested in what is best for people overall. He is not just a football legend, a successful businessman, or a person limiting his perspective to only a single racial or political set of controlling ideas. He agrees with Atlanta Mayor Bottoms that, “Enough is enough!” The destructive actions by some people will not achieve improvement, but only destroy the foundations on which constructive actions can be built. Murders of an eight-year-old child and others, and property damaged by a mob, do not lead to better conditions for any segment of the population. They only weaken the nation into greater vulnerability. Atlanta, like Seattle, should recognize this fact.
TOM STREETS, JOHNS CREEK
About the Author
