EDITOR:
A response to the ‘Recommendation on name changes’ letter to the editor from Mike Stark in last week’s issue of The Landmark.
Mr. Stark’s letter was concise, short, and interesting. I, myself, have personally changed Republican to Rethuglican, in honor of the current administration. It’s interesting that racism is such a bitter pill in this country. In truth, it should not be that way.
Does anyone remember being taught about indentured servitude when our country was getting started? Many people in Europe sold themselves to someone in America for the price of passage on a ship. They were required to work for seven years to pay their debt. That was considered an acceptable form of slavery.
In the 20th century, after World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, prior generations brought home German, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Middle Eastern brides, creating mixed families from the multitudes of countries we fought against. Those generations understood the necessity of forgiveness, the sanctity of life, and the blessing of being able to have a home and family. We have always kept open arms for those who need to immigrate and become US citizens. Initially, racism was experienced by incoming foreigners, but in a few generations it fades away.
This country, with all its warts and wounds, is still the best in the world. We have the right to free speech, freedom of press, right to vote, religious freedom, the list is long and every generation over the last two centuries has fought and died to keep everyone free.
Everything changes. It just seems to change so much quicker than it used to. Going to the moon, computerization, DNA testing, saving trees, changing fuel production from fossils and coal, and sending emails and tweets, job applications, school work on-line, change the way people of all walks of life communicate and are financially impacted. It’s getting more and more difficult to adapt.
It’s also amazing how quickly we put revered politicians, actors, sports people on pedestals only to turn on them and drag them down when something unacceptable changes their persona. When working standards are established on how to accept the valued skills and abilities of public servants while also controlling their private lives is achieved, I will need some serious explanation.
History is important, it’s supposed to teach us not to make the same mistakes over and over. Winners document history, making it one-sided. I tend to agree with Mr. Stark, it’s definitely time to take a long hard look at what our country’s fundamental values and future will be.
Sticks and stones may break our bones but words are mightier than the sword. It’s our Constitution, and I will defend it with my life. I’m pretty sure Mr. Stark would also.
If we have to call ourselves a name, I guess it would be citizen. I’m good with that.
–Carol Clopton
Kansas City in Platte County