I am sometimes discouraged by the continuing conflict among the races pf people and contrasting cultures that are formed to be this land of America. i am ashamed of a past that construed it as their right to buy and sell other human beings based on the color of their skin, the enticement for such solely economic and the justification for such the accepted dehumanization of lives based upon origins.

We, as an American culture have slowly evolved. We are slowly evolving. There has been in my lifetime a change in the rights and acceptance of people encompassing everyone. Of this I am encouraged. We are yet embroiled in unresolved issues begun now since 1619 in America. The palpable anger today destroys even itself. Perhaps from the chaos there will emerge a new hope based on a better plan, when exhaustion is played out and new ideas begin to light the way.

Perhaps on some future day there will emerge a light that gives hope to everyone, It will, I think, lay aside efforts of retribution among our many diverse people, and discover a new light that will lead us on a better path, recognizing that the light we seek matters, not the color of the candle.

Gary A. Bowker

Spokane