Letters to the Editor
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That was a really great post, Susan Sunflower...
with all of the nuance that has been so lacking lately.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
Although you didn't mention it explicitly, I did think about the topic of reparations. I think that's the real third rail of any discussion on race, and yet, it really needs to be discussed and discussed and resolved. Past attempts at affirmative action are not enough, especially given the current inequities in plain, basic education and the resources that are allocated.
But, just as you wrote that the possibility of being called a racist is a hot-button for many, I think the topic of reparations is, too. And it's much worse now, when we all can see from most rungs on the SES ladder (except the very top) that what we once thought was a land of abundant opportunity for everyone more closely resembles a zero-sum game, one that is rigged against most of us.
Paradoxically, I am currently a Clinton supporter, having migrated from Dodd to Edwards, etc., but looking ahead I expect to be voting for Obama, barring anything unforeseen.
Even though I admire his vision and ability to communicate in the upper reaches of the public discourse (unreachable by the likes of BushCo) I honestly think Hillary would be better at implementing the much-needed changes. Including a plan for reparations. (I have my reasons for thinking so, but they don't belong in this comment.)
I really do wish there were a way for them to run on a combined ticket...