Far healthier to forgive and forget

In his criticism of George Paradies' letter, Victor Darst says it "is like reading the transcript from a right-wing radio talk show." Does Darst realize that his criticism reads like what could be expected from a left-winger?

Darst goes on to say, in part, that "we should all remember that many blacks were enslaved, oppressed and denied opportunity" and that "many blacks today had ancestors who were enslaved and treated worse than cattle."

He implies that if our ancestors were treated similarly we would be embracing comments from people like Sen. Obama's pastor.

I don't know if it is still taught in history anymore, but while attending grade school, I learned about slavery and the mistreatment of black people by both white slave owners and black slave traders. It is reprehensible to say the least.

I can only speak for myself, when saying that I would not continue to hold a grudge for something that I personally did not have anything to do with.

As a small boy my mother taught me to "forgive and forget." Whenever that advice was followed, my life improved and when it wasn't, I was miserable.

Isn't it time to "forgive and forget," and get on with our lives of loving, respecting and caring about each other? It's never too late to live happily ever after.

Verne Jarrette

Elgin