Politics and racism foment poisonous brew

A friend recently forwarded a photo via Facebook of a political bumper sticker. The top section is blue, the bottom red. The blue field reads: “Don’t Re-Nig.” The red field below had only: “In 2012.” The thought behind this is frankly obvious and it has nothing to do with the word “renege.”

This brings up a very ugly subject, one I am loath to speak of in this modern age — racism. This vile curse has no place in modern American society, no place in modern politics and no place in this world. It should remain buried deep in the sewer of history. Sadly, it has reared up from the dank, dark depths to be plastered on someone’s bumper and then on Facebook for all to see.

I find it deeply offensive. I believe most people — regardless of politics, point of view or parties — would agree racism is deeply offensive and has no just place in elections, in our towns, in our state or in our nation.

This is not say that all those who oppose the president are racist. Far from it. I know many upstanding people who oppose his re-election, who feel they are right in their views and opinions and who freely express them.

That is their right as Americans and as a freedom loving people. Not one of them holds a racist viewpoint. And they are rightfully offended, as am I, when this ugly subject rears its head.

This election is not about race. It never was and never should be. Our nation made history by electing its first black president. It sent a message throughout the country and the world that the color of one’s skin will not bar a person from being elected President of the United States of America. It was a proud day for many Americans, myself included.

The issue of race should never preclude one from seeking office, neither should gender. One day soon, woman will sit as President in the Oval Office. A person’s religious background likewise should not be held against him or her. Who knows, maybe one day a Buddhist or a Muslim will be president. Maybe we will even see a day when an atheist, or even a person who is gay or lesbian, is elected president. It’s OK with me, so long as all of them adhere to, uphold and defend our U.S. Constitution.

Today, this issue of race needs to be reeled in and stuffed back into that sewer where all the vile ugliness is collected.

We are better than this. As a nation, we have risen above the dark days when our laws allowed one man to “own” another as property. Now is the time to hold our heads high and march into the future. Let us leave racism in the past and out of our elections. It is an evil that should never see the light of day, let alone mass produced as bumper stickers to be plastered on the back of cars.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.