As a “white” American, I’ve seen incredible changes in our culture and the way we view the “racial divide.” You know when I was in elementary school, we never drew any distinctions about color when it came to who we chose as friends. In Jr. High, suddenly it became an issue. By High School, we got over it, but I heard many times, “Bill, you’re pretty cool for a white guy,” and I was just as guilty on the inverse.

Since then I became aware of how the simple fact that we acknowledge any difference is why there is a divide remaining at all. My 7 yr. old son has never heard the term “African-american” nor “Black” at all. I’ve refused to introduce him to that sort of thinking. Rather, he’ll say “I played with my friends John and Michael today.” This to me seems to be the high road of progress.

Oddly, I think the most fundamental racial divide that happens in our school system are the little bubbles we have to fill out on tests identifying our race. Why do we even need it at all? If we are to merge as one culture, as well we should, is it necessary to know what percentage of children left behind are what ethnicity?

It has been my experience much as you said, that the Democrats have always said Republicans are bigots and yet act with more bigotry and then simply deny it or cover it up with “politically correct” justifications.

I think it’s high time all Americans did a gut check and started voting on the caliber of the candidate not the color or gender for that matter. True affirmative action is when a person is hired to do a job because their qualifications make them the best candidate.

You framed this one really well. Your way with words and strong grasp of the facts leads me to think…hey, why not Bob Parks for President? You’d have my vote.