The Unitarian Ministers Got It Wrong

To the editor: Like many far left critics of the state of America in 2026, Kristen Harper harps about continued racism and discrimination against blacks and indigenous people without humoring us with specifics. And Ms. Harper believes her perspective, though disturbingly wrong, justifies not reading the Declaration of Independence or Bill of Rights this July 4th.

Allow me to defend our great nation with hardcore facts: There are currently two African Americans and a Latina on the Supreme Court. That is one-third of the total number of justices. Barack Obama served two terms. A man of color, in case Ms. Harper didn't notice. Not long ago, Kamala Harris was vice president. General Colin Powell served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of the military. Condoleeza Rice was Secretary of State. Our current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is Latino. There have been countless people of color who served as mayors of New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, etc. Members of minority groups hold elected office across America as we speak. That is how democracy works. Just about anyone can run. Just about anyone can win.

On the money front... I doubt Magic Johnson, Byron Allen, Michael Jordan, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Jay Z, Dre, and Rhianna would have anything to complain about if hard pressed to do so. Neither would Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Jenna Ortega, or Selena Gomez. And so many more.

So where is the "ongoing racism" if it didn't torpedo the dreams and lives of those mentioned above? There is a sinister reality out there that few talk about because it ignites a firestorm: race hustlers have to feed the racism dragon to keep the money flowing in. And their motives and values are hardly noble or virtuous. Just look at how the Black Lives Matter movement fell apart due to corruption, greed, and unabashed theft of donated monies.

Ms. Harper should take note that this country is now in a shifting political climate. Patriotism is coming back into vogue. Fewer people are walking around, hats in hand, imploring to be forgiven for past injustices they had nothing to do with. America is the greatest nation in the long, chaotic history of mankind. Pride and gratitude should be the overall state of mind. Flaws and all...we are blessed to live here. Someone should lift a glass to that every night at the Rose & Crown til Labor Day. Do it with vigor and conviction.

Gabe Caggiano