Let the sins of the past go; act like free men

Syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. asked (Feb. 7 column) why black men would “fight for ideals that exclude them,” citing the treatment received because of skin color. The answer is as self-evident as the truths for which these soldiers are fighting: freedom.

This struggle, though birthed in a desire to overcome enslavement, transcends the pettiness of class and ethnic distinctions to demonstrate the right of equality based on performance. Yes, these soldiers suffered indignities at the hands of those they swore to defend. Shame on those who caused it.

The question for today should be obvious: What now? We should not remain mired in the putrefying sins of the past with the hope of politicizing and fighting them once again. That does no good.

Stop the class warfare fomenting bitterness for a bygone day. Cease striving for entitlements as some kind of reparation.

Rather, pursue what can be gained as a republic with citizens of varied ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Act like free men.

Steven R. Bricker

Cedar Rapids