Lesson from Bible
Historical records show racism as a symptom of arrogant self-centered people. In this particular story, the consequence of backbiting people in positions of power resulted in a contagious life-threatening disease. This brings to mind COVID-19, political divisiveness and racial tensions today. What can we learn from history?
Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ siblings holding powerful positions during the Exodus. After years of slavery, you’d think they’d be hyper-sensitive to others. Instead, they acted with pride and self-interest. It was manifested by talking against their brother because of his marriage to a black woman.
Angering God, immediately they all were confronted with thought-provoking reprimands — even Moses, who was humble and innocent of the offense.
Singling out the two offenders, the instigator was inflicted with a disease. Miriam’s skin became snow white with a deathly pallor. It was like “you think white skin is better, you’ll get white skin.” In horror at the sight of his leprous sister, Aaron immediately repented and begged forgiveness. Moses also cried out to God to please heal her.
God responded with judgment of solitary confinement for purification. The entire nation had to wait to move on to the Promised Land until she returned from quarantine — changed.
This begs the question of what changes we need to make individually to enable our country to move in a positive trajectory. Hatefulness and racism needs to end. Created in the image of God, we are meant to love.
Loving one another is the only hope for the future.
Michele Lincoln
Lahaina
Stiglich wrong again
Bad enough you published the cartoon June 3 inferring major media is fake news just stirring the racism pot.
Now another Tom Stiglich cartoon on June 9 inferring Drew Brees caved to pressure by either the NFL or black players to change his stance on taking a knee, and that is why he did it. There is absolutely no indication of this, and the NFL similarly changed its stance. Did they cave also?
Apparently, Stiglich has a problem with people just doing the right thing. From all reports, Drew Brees is a stand up guy. He said his previous opinion on taking a knee was wrong (how refreshing, in this age of Trumpism) and said what he now believes.
Nick Heinrich
HPP
Three things to try
People of good will throughout the world have been marching to overcome race-supremacist institutions, entitlements, behavior and attitudes.
Hawaii might find it harder than the rest of America to implement the following three simple, but apparently radical, ideas. Let’s try.
All people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of race.
Government should treat all people equally under the law, regardless of race.
The people and lands of Hawaii should not be divided along racial lines.
Let’s work for unity, equality and aloha for all. It won’t be easy.
Kenneth R. Conklin
Kaneohe, Oahu