January 18, 1999
We must honor one another--our unique backgrounds and individual family heritages and respect the diversity between us. But we must also acknowledge that we are all of the same dust of this earth walking under the same great creator and exchanging spirit and power with each other as we move together.
Identify self, honor family, respect ancestors and neighbors and then join in the embrace of us all. No more "us and them". No more racial bigotry or attitudes of superiority. We are made of the same stuff and walk on the same planet. We eat the food of this earth and partake in the same pool of resources. We share this earth, we are all brothers and sisters to the plants and animals, and kindred to each other.
It is true that our ancestors are gone and we are currently in stewardship of the earth for our children and their descendents. It is also true that there is much evil in the world. However I also believe that there is also much good. Fortunately for me, I have witnessed more of the good, and while I recognize the evil, I hold onto hope. It is unfortunate that lost souls with misperceptions about racial "superiority" have such limited perception they can not see what is pure and what is not. Fortunately we now have laws and many nonprofit efforts have arisen to counter this dangerous, ignorant activity.
A few years ago in Whatcom County, a cross was burned near some Hispanic homes. As a result from this ugly occurrence, much good has arisen. People in our community formed a Human Rights Task Force and other nonprofit efforts and we are coming together as neighbors to educate one another on aspects of diversity. We now have a strong Whatcom Hispanic Association that works within the community to help bridge some of the misunderstandings with the community.
I am not saying that life is perfect here, we still have crime, in fact the past couple years we have witnessed a terrifying increase of gangs and youth with weapons. However, people have choices to work together for common good, and this what I see happening and is where I choose to focus my energy.
How can we defeat hate? With love and education and tolerance. And I thank you for doing your part to spread love and education and tolerance to people in your walk.
Copyright, 1999 by Beth D. Marsau
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