Racial Harmony the Elusive Goal

* As I read the article about the hate crime inflicted on the Jacksons July 4, I was moved to denounce the act, much as was done by community and civic leaders in Camarillo and elsewhere. However, after reflection, I realized that the act of denouncement is insufficient and perhaps encouraging to perpetrators of such acts. Rather than merely denounce these acts of hatred, we must step forward and demonstrate the essential oneness of humanity.

It is only when we, the members of the community who recognize that all of us are created in the image of God, rise to positively act on our beliefs we can effectively end the tolerance of those who refuse to accept and acknowledge the “Oneness of Mankind.” Rather than spending time to denounce acts of hatred and animosity, let us rise together to proclaim our “Unity in Diversity” and celebrate our relationship as the family of man.

Only when people of goodwill rise to counter hate with the love for all of humanity, including the hater, can we stem the tide of ignorance-born hate. As we practice “loving our neighbor better than ourselves,” hate will find no place in our community. The recognition of the essential humanity of mankind will be firmly and indelibly set in the hearts and minds of the residents of Camarillo and Ventura County and a peace born of justice and love will cast its glow.

FREDERICK L. WHITE

Camarillo

* I am appalled to read of another hate crime in Camarillo (“Racist Graffiti Found on Home of Black Couple,” July 6). How sickening and frightening it must be to wake up to find yourself and your family the object of such hatred.

We all, as family, friends and community, cannot allow such things to happen here. We must speak out. We must make it clear that such activity is unacceptable here.

And further, we must make sure that our own words and deeds evidence respect for those who may be different from us. I believe we are all made in the image of God, and as such we all deserve to be treated with dignity. We cannot look down on those of other ethnic or economic groups.

Our own words should never be such that others would believe we would condone such hateful actions as were directed toward the Jackson family.

I call upon the citizens of Camarillo to join Mayor David Smith in saying very clearly that we do appreciate the diversity of Camarillo, and we will seek out those who do such things with the goal of educating them, or punishing them if necessary.

May God give us grace to speak out with love and conviction.

MAGGIE KILDEE

Member, Ventura County

Board of Supervisors

Ventura

* The city of Simi Valley is a great place to live. It has hard-working and law-abiding residents, distinguished schools, and a low crime rate. However, as in all communities in the United States, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

For Fourth of July festivities, my family and I attended the 26th annual fireworks show at Simi Valley High School. As we were walking toward the entrance, a passing motorist yelled out the most vicious racial epithet at us.

As an American of Haitian descent, I was very disturbed by this wicked act. I know that Simi Valley has a reputation of harboring racist individuals, but I am hoping that they are in the minority and that community activists work on giving their city a better reputation.

I am proud of my cultural heritage. I know that French and Haitians fought alongside Americans during the Revolutionary War to overthrow British domination in the new world. Haitians risked their lives to support the fledgling forces of Gen. George Washington. That’s why we celebrate American independence and the fight for freedom, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

We could have decided to return home and not attend the festivities. Rather, we went and paid the $7 admission fee and enjoyed the fireworks display. But at the same time I could only think about those racial epithets and hope that Americans of all colors can work hard to realize the goals and aspirations of the Declaration of Independence and Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech at Washington, D.C.

GERHARD DESIR

North Hollywood