Dear Editor,

As an American I am grateful for the rights we have.

As the mother of a soldier again in Iraq, I know the meaning of worry.

As the daughter of a racist father I learned how to forgive and not be as judgemental.

As a wife I have experienced what racism is first hand. I have been married to members of the most racist groups there are. And at one time shared some of their views. But learned with age that all people are humans and have feelings. Nothing gives us the right to harm others by stereo-typing them just because of speech, dress, or place of origin.

My mother tried to raise me where there was no color or race. She said all were people and shouldn't be "classed" because they were different from me.

People are people no matter how they dress or live. As Americans we have more rights than any. One of those rights is freedom of speech. However, this right is abused a great deal. This doesn't give us the right to publicly slander others just because they're different.

Here is a "for instance"; just because a person wears a "hood" or "head covering" doesn't mean they are a terrorist. There are several types of people that do this. One is religious and two are True Americans, being here longer than any others. Next, just because we don't like a certain type of person doesn't give us the right to single them out.

America has a wide variety of people on Her lands. She has always been the land of opportunity and safety for many. Those of us born here are blessed and at times take things for granted.

Unless we're hurt again don't judge all because of one. And always keep in mind that if you don't like a person, place, or situation you have the right to remove yourself from such.

Point a finger and you have three back on yourself. It is, at times best to remember a long ago phrase, "Live and Let Live".

In short, judge and get ready to be judged. Be smart, don't be racist.

Dell Becker-Jolly

Richland Springs, Texas