Racism does not 'go both ways'

It’s ridiculous that someone would think racism “goes both ways.” The evil behind it is the power and privilege we wield with our prejudices. If a minority person dislikes or hates you, you still never have to deal with police violence or harassment, voter suppression, or the death by a thousand small aggressions and presumptions that folks of color have to deal with every day.

“Reverse racism” is so false as to actually be a form of popular white supremacy in the very idea. Dwelling on that idea points to the fact that you don’t even begin to understand that racism is a complete system of oppression, not an individual's personal feelings. Actively work against that system we’re a part of as white folks, or you’re part of that system.

Joel Vega, Mansfield

Shelby School levy: 'It's not worth the risk'

I urge you, do not vote for any new or renewal future school levies and don't buy any "Certificates of Participation" bonds to pay for the proposed new school. We are already paying on a school with $1.6 million dollars of "leftover" monies, so, if this 30-year levy that we are paying for can't pay for the proposed new school, then the board doesn't need anymore of our money.

Karl Todd Henning's letter to the editor published June 2 should explain the risks on the "rent-to-own" investments on the proposed new school.

The funds that they say they have now, should be used for renovating and upkeep on the existing schools. I don't feel that is being done correctly. The pipeline monies can and probably be contested and reduced on the amounts that were stated in the past by the board. I was very sorry to see that there was a 5-0 vote on such a risky investment on an unnecessary purchase.

Mr. Henning's letter needs to be reprinted to remind those who will be at the risk of paying on a possible levy that should "not" be allowed on the ballot, ever! Remember, those voters who voted the levies down, in the past three times, will need to do it again and again — and those who didn't vote, need to register and vote to keep your monies in your pockets.

Remember, we are now paying over 10-cents more on a gallon of fuel to be able to drive, thanks to our great state officials in Columbus. This will put a crimp on your budget, big time. Also, we are having increases on our Medicare costs, utility costs, prescription costs, and now higher supplemental insurance costs. All the people that are on limited incomes really need to do what it takes to stop this "risky" plan.

Again, vote "no" on any "new" or "renewal" levies that are put on the ballots in the future and "do not" buy any "Certificates of Participation" bonds.

Stephen Lay, Shelby

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