Racism claim detracts from the real issue
Joe Wilson, the Republican representative from South Carolina, deserved to be admonished by Congress for his outburst during President Obama's health care speech to a joint session of Congress.
However, when Rep. Hank Johnson, a Democrat from Georgia, responded with "I guess we'll probably have folks putting on white hoods again," as the reason why Wilson should be admonished, that was an outrageous statement as well. This issue is not about racism. And shame on Johnson for trying to make it so.
While George W. Bush was still president, an African American representative of Congress, Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, went to the well on the the floor of the House of Representatives and called Bush a liar. No one called her a racist.
Declaring such things only removes the burden from the one who declares them. To use those words in such a frivolous manner demeans the issue of racism.
More importantly, it temporarily derails the health care reform discussions. My hope for Congress is to get back on track, because health care reform is necessary, and at this moment, most important.
I believe there is still racism in this country, just as there is bigotry towards gays, women, illegal immigrants, you name it. But maybe if health care can be fixed, African Americans, just like all other groups of Americans, will live longer lives, and therefore be able to dedicate their time to these issues of racism and bigotry.
SHARON H. THOMAS
Bakersfield
