Nation was racially divided before Obama Re: “Obama’s racial politics divide the nation,” Feb. 1
I vehemently oppose Walter Williams’ assertion that President Obama’s “racial politics divide the nation.” Our country was divided along ideological, philosophical, class and unfortunately, racial lines long before President Obama took up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. One can blame the POTUS for many things, but perpetuating the racial divide is not one of them.
To support his premise, Williams references Obama’s associations with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers. So the presidents whose associations included the John Birch Society and the Ku Klux Klan were not dividing the nation?
Williams also lists comments made by a few supporters of the president as evidence that racial politics is the norm rather than the exception. But he conveniently fails to mention the inordinate amount of vitriol from those who say their only agenda is to make Obama a one-term president.
Talking about being post-racial is just talk. There are those who will never accept the fact that President Obama is the POTUS — and it has nothing to do with his policies.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Obamacare mandate tramples on First Amendment
Re: “Obamacare regulation tramples on religious freedom,” Editorial, Jan. 31 & “Catholics cannot — will not — comply with Obamacare reg,” Feb. 1
The Catholic Church views contraception and abortion as destructive of life and therefore not real health care. By trying to command the church how to act, these Obamacare regulations violate the First Amendment’s separation of church and state.
The issue is not whether one agrees with the Catholic Church, but rather whether one respects its right to disagree. As a convert, I personally have some differences with the church on these topics myself, but I am offended that any government would propose such a mandate.
I support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (S. 1467), which ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation’s health care system will be respected.
Brian Wrenn
Washington
Old data give wrong impression about Eastern
Re: “Good teachers spread throughout the District,” Jan. 29
I am quite concerned with the data Lisa Gartner shared for Eastern Senior High School, as it is inaccurate and contains egregious misunderstandings that undermine the school’s community and mission.
It is extremely important to note that the information published is outdated. The test scores the article referenced are well over a year old and are based on students who no longer attend Eastern. In fact, D.C. Public Schools has already intervened to ensure student success and teacher quality at Eastern.
Eastern is a turnaround school. In the 2011-12 school year, Eastern has a total of 300 ninth-graders enrolled. Each year, we will expand by one grade level, graduating our first class in 2015. Out of a total of 39 staff members, only four teachers previously taught at Eastern. The majority of the staff is new this year.
Amy A. Boccardi
IB coordinator,
Eastern Senior High School
