Letter to the editor: Our race problems are real

Nearly every sentence in Steve Ignatz’s letter is incorrect (“Battling critical race theory,” Aug. 10, TribLIVE). The National Education Association is not advocating teaching “critical race theory.” (Does Ignatz even know what this “theory” is?) Judging by his name, I don’t think Ignatz can understand firsthand whether America has a systemic race problem or not. Neither can I.

But a quick reading of history will educate him. Slavery, redlining, segregation and race riots are things of the past. But the continuing display of Confederate statues and flags and the way that my Black friends are treated differently by officials, merchants, banks and landlords are two indications that we have a long way to go. Ignatz’s letter is a perfect example.

What are the “lies” he is so afraid of? In the America of freedom of expression, all opinions should be considered, and the truth will out. Ignatz’s way seems to be to suppress the side he doesn’t agree with. That’s not American.

It is a sad day in this country when “equity,” “social justice” and “diversity and inclusion” are bad words that we must “beware” of. What is the alternative?

As to letter-writer Jon Piecka’s rant “Are vaccines useless?” (Aug. 10, TribLIVE): He is missing the point. We don’t have to wear masks because the vaccines are a waste. We have wear masks because selfish, irresponsible people will not get the vaccine. We have to wear masks because there is no good way to tell who is vaccinated, so everyone must be assumed to be unvaccinated for the protection of all of us. If everyone would get vaccinated — no more masks.

Mary Beth Walling

North Huntingdon