Letter to the editor: Not joining protest doesn't make someone racist

In her letter “Our leaders must speak out on racism” (June 27, TribLIVE), Aileen Cunningham wrote that “silence on racism is complicity.” This does not apply in the current social/political situation.

You are not a racist just because you choose not to join those who are protesting. Many Americans are holding back their verbal support because others are highly intolerant of any opinions/solutions not aligned with their own. Anger prevents logical thought and civil discourse. Rioting, looting, burning, destruction of public and personal property, disregard for law and order, etc. is not conducive to a discussion. People who are truly ready to talk need to separate themselves from infiltrators who are taking advantage of them, and whose goal is to destroy U.S. history and eliminate our country’s foundation.

Ironically, Walter Williams’ column on that same page (“Insults to Black history,” June 26, TribLIVE) reflects another opinion on these current issues. He and many others like Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas and Thomas Sowell have lived this, come out on top, and are worthy of being heard. They speak from personal experience.

So please do not label many caring people, leaders included, as racist just because they are not willing to join the current uprising.

Pam Hohal

Hempfield