Color and gender
Melody Kinser
Oct 08, 2008

A few years ago, my brother-in-law and I were talking about our hometown...

A few years ago, my brother-in-law and I were talking about our hometown, in the heart of the West Virginia coalfields.

Until that conversation, it had never really occurred to me the advantages of being exposed to so many nationalities, ethnicities, religions and cultures.

Diversity was commonplace. Neighbors were neighbors. Our school system integrated quickly after the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Now, here we are in the 21st century, with a biracial candidate for president and a female candidate for vice president.

What does his color or her gender have to do with their qualifications or abilities to lead this country?

People are people. Skin color and gender should be of no consequence.

What is the fear of a black man (and why is it a side note that he is half white) holding the nation’s highest office?

Similarly, why can’t a woman be vice president?

No, I’m not touting either candidate. My choice is a private matter and one that involves only me and the voting booth.

This is stirring up to be a nasty, ugly campaign. Why are these tactics acceptable in our society? When will we say enough is enough?

Right now, this country — the greatest in the world — is in serious trouble. We need help . . . we need solutions . . . we need a strong leader.

This election isn’t about color or gender. It’s about our future.

Etc.

* I experienced a first on Saturday with the Mechanicsville Ruritan Club’s lawnmower races. This was one of those occasions when all I can say is “a good time was had by all.”
* Please take time this week to thank a firefighter. I had the pleasure of interviewing two Hanover County firefighters for Fire Prevention Week, which is being observed this week. They deserve our thanks and prayers.
* And the beat goes on . . .

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