Editor,
I want to respond to the writer of "Racism is alive and well" of Feb 4. I join the writer in opposition to actual racism, and I'm glad that the attitudes of most Americans have shifted to the point where an American of African descent can be elected our President. However, I don't agree with the idea that because our President is black, opposing his policies is racist. I also don't agree with the idea that because many Americans on public assistance are minorities, it's racist to support policies that favor the well to do. In fact, the majority of Americans on public assistance are white. Also, most of the jobs minorities work at were created by financially successful Americans, some of whom are minorities.
It isn't racist to desire that productive Americans keep more of what they earn, rather than have our Big Brother government confiscate it and distribute it to those who didn't earn it. Wanting every American to have equal opportunity to succeed, rather than live on government assistance should be a goal shared by all of us, rich or poor, Republican or Democrat, regardless of race. I never got a job from a poor person. Yes, my employer is well to do, and I am grateful for that fact. His success is my success.
Republicans recognize this concept, and promote policies that support it.
Public assistance will put food in the belly today, but ultimately will not make a person successful. And while I agree that a great society must have a safety net in place for those who need help, I also believe that assistance should be as temporary as possible. It ceases to be a "safety net" when able-bodied Americans can make it a way of life for decades.
Dennis Bowden
West Point
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