<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p><p>In response to the article: ‘Let’s be honest and real’: Local school leaders share thoughts on racial inequality, discuss plans to expand curriculum, published on June 5.</p><p>Let’s take five things we can agree on:</p><p>(1) We are created equal. Worldly possessions and accomplishments have no bearing on this premise.</p><p>(2) We have the right to associate with whomever, to be with those we share common interests with and develop our personal and social life around.</p><p>(3) We have the right to make choices. A person’s free choice is not an indication of prejudice.</p><p>(4) A person has the right to use their property for whatever reason they choose as long as their use does not have a negative effect on their community. A potential lessee can decide yes or no for any reason. The property owner should have an equal right.</p><p>(5) The right to learn and excel. Educators have an obligation to provide quality instruction that demands proficiency of those being educated. Government actions that lessened the proficiency requirements created a system where scholastic accomplishment is based on expediency instead of performance. Likewise, affirmative action and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have destroyed the need to excel, instead providing effortless advancement.</p><p>In 1961, I started a radiator repair shop with free pick-up and delivery. In those days, many Black men did auto repair in their garages. Often, I was invited to share lunch with them, a cup of coffee or soft drink, and many times I did. If they came to my shop, I reciprocated. We developed a close friendship borne out of a mutual admiration. We were working to make a living and sharing a certain pride in ownership. The color of our skin did not divide us; respect bound us.</p><p>People are not racist when they exercise their right to choose. If you benefited because of your skin color solely, then you must admit that you were not qualified for that which you received. If you want to associate events to color, then how about when thousands of white soldiers died in the Civil War to abolish slavery? How about when thousands of Black men fought and died during World War II, to defend the freedoms of a country in which many of those freedoms were denied to them?</p><p>Elected officials should understand they can’t grant or bestow a right or privilege to one person or group of people without taking that right or privilege from others. Stop politicizing tragic events and endless demagoguery. Educators must get back to educating instead of indoctrinating.</p><p>Alexis de Tocqueville stated, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened that any other nation, but in her ability to repair her faults.” “We the people,” let us exercise our God given rights and we will keep America strong.</p><p><p><strong>Ron West</strong></p><p><p><strong>Johnson County Commissioner</strong></p>
