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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Stain of racism persists

Columnist Dana Milbank cited (Aug. 29) a poll that showed 29 percent of Louisiana Republicans believe that President Barack Obama was responsible for the poor response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This from people in a state as Milbank says, experienced “the botched storm response … up close and personally.” This from people who should know that George W. Bush was president in 2005 when Barack Obama was a first-term senator.

Why the sudden lapse of memory or display of willful ignorance?

Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, speaking at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington (the only speaker from the original march), has given us the true, but hurtful answer. “The scars and stains of racism still remain deeply embedded in American society.”

Glenn Carlson

Spokane

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