...I didn't want to touch it y'all... you know I try hard not to "be discussin' politics and thangs", but unfortunately, ugly things have surfaced and opened "old wounds", thereby making it necessary for me to voice my opinion.

In November 2008 what transpired in our nation was a "phenomal" thing. For those of us who were alive during the Civil Rights movement, this day was worth all the sweat poured, tears shed, and struggles endured. Not to mention - that our Constitution affords "all" born in this country to the "same equality". (Even though we know, that's not always the way it works, but that's a whole "nother" column, for a whole "nother" day...)

My question is ... Why is it necessary for the prejudicial (specifically "racist") dialogue to continue? The Nation made it's choice, and the hateful and racist jokes, text messages, and e-mails really need to stoppppp...!!! I've heard things that took me back to my childhood when it was suddenly pointed out to me that I was "different", and not from another child (which would have made more sense), but from an "Adult" with such a maliciousness that although I didn't understand it at 5 years old, I knew enough to be afraid of it.

My family hadn't prepared me for what was waiting "out there" in the world for me. Maybe they didn't anticipate any reason for my innocence to be robbed from me, but ever since, I've learned to "expect the unexpected"... from everyone. In "those days" (yes, I said that...) I believe people were a lot more "Naive" about the world. Most members of my family had the same features I did, so maybe "we" were exceptions, but whatever the case, ...to have an adult to antagonize and frighten me into an "awareness" about "race" still sends feelings of "Disgust" through me. I understand now that Ms. Hazel, was "disturbed", but at five..., I didn't. Because of the "color" of my skin, and the "texture" of my hair - (two things "I" had absolutely nothing to do with) - she would call me names. Whenever we were in public and people complimented her on "such a pretty little girl" ... behind closed doors, ...she would make a mockery and would turn those compliments into "poison". "BUT" (there's always a "butt") she cashed every one of those checks she received for me and my brother being in her care.

It's long been said that, children are "taught" racism, (and most other negative behaviors) by those in their home environment and immediate surroundings, and that is absolutely true. See, Ms. Hazel and I were of the same race, but on God's color spectrum, I was on one end, and she was on the other. She gave me a hard lesson on racism, but fortunately, I saw nothing in her behavior that I wanted to emulate, and could never treat another person that way, whether I "liked them or not". Shamefully today, there is still no happy medium, but no one should have to apologize for their color or racial make-up. Cultures exist because "God" and "love" see no color. This fact should be embraced, and the recent election of a man of color should serve as an opportunity for the citizens of this nation to educate themselves. Instead, we have people sending "tasteless", "racist", and "bigoted" jokes, etc., out into mass circulation. Well, I've got one for you ... since you want to honor the President Elect by putting his image on the "Food Stamp", why don't we honor that other President by putting his image on all your ..."UNEMPLOYMENT Checks???"

...I didn't think your joke was "funny" EITHER.

let's try and keep the Peace, America -