Comparing the tragedies of Charleston, Baltimore

The mass shooting of nine innocent blacks in a historic black church by a deranged white man was clearly a case of horrific, immoral and despicable racism. Period, full stop. The magnificent way that the Charleston community, local politicians, and that church have handled this tragedy should be a lesson for all of America and it is in incredible contrast to the horrific way that the Baltimore community and politicians handled their tragedy.

The black and white community in Charleston along with the local and state politicians came together peacefully, with kindness and with class and committed themselves to a peaceful and united front against racism of all kinds from all sources.

Contrast that to the violence, hatred, and destruction that the community in Baltimore showed, which was stoked by local and national politicians fanning the flames of racial hatred for political gain.

It is clear that this tragedy in Charleston has brought that community together and made Charleston even stronger for the future. In contrast, it will take Baltimore many years to recover from the hate, violence, and destruction that community experienced, which was stoked by politicians and the media.

As a nation, let's learn from Charleston's class and goodness and reject Baltimore's violence and hatred.

Randy Rossi

Grayslake