They wanted JFK to be watched, too

I have been a subscriber of the Daily Herald since relocating my family to Lake County in mid-1992. Over the years I have read many "Fencepost" opinions. Like most readers of the Herald I'm able to enjoy my daily paper without the need to respond to every opinion that is printed, as I believe in our country's right to free speech. In the Nov. 29 Fencepost section an opinion entitled "Obama must be watched carefully," was printed. As an American of African descent I want to say directly to Mr. King that I'm happy that a large number of Americans of all races don't share his 1960s view of who should be watched. Though much negatively is still written/said on a daily basis about Americans of African descent, I believe the selection of Mr. Obama's as President truly does give all of us an opportunity to move past the stereotypes of race, prejudice, hatred and separation that exist within our country. Make no mistake about it, America remains the greatest country on earth and despite what some believe, that's never been lost on those of us who are of African descent. It's the reason we continue to strive for full and equal partnership in American society.

Mr. Obama represents the best we have to offer, born of white and black parents, intelligent, capable, willing to serve, energetic, inclusive and God-fearing! No one group gets to decide what it means to be an American.

Lastly, some on the fringes of our society thought JFK should be watched, because he was Catholic. They thought Dr. King should be watched because he was a Communist sympathizer. They thought Eleanor Roosevelt should be watched because she supported women and minority rights. All these individuals, who were constantly being watched, wanted was a better America! Ultimately, one America, where it's people wouldn't be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character. I believe that's what Mr. Obama wants too!

Daryll D. Fletcher

Ivanhoe