Race relations

* Regarding "Confronting white privilege" (NCR, March 21): Far too many Americans are oblivious to the fact that race relation problems still exist. No white person in our country could have addressed the issue as truthfully and as eloquently as Sen. Barack Obama did in his recent Philadelphia speech. Since white people have not lived the "black experience," it is impossible for whites to identify with the hurt African-Americans felt for so long and possibly to a lesser degree still feel. Of the presidential contenders still standing, Barack Obama is the only one who has the ability and understanding to help narrow substantially the racial divide in our country.

The burden is on "we the people." What kind of nation do we want to be? By tackling race relations head on, Sen. Obama shows courage, conviction, compassion and the ability to handle tough problems and situations.

PAUL L. WHITELEY SR.

Lousville, Ky.

COPYRIGHT 2008 National Catholic Reporter
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning