Readers share their views on race

I am so angry that an African-American, 28-year-old male teacher, in San Antonio, Fla., received 23 years in prison for having sex with a 13-year-old student while many white, female teachers get little to no time for the same crime. Sexual abuse by teachers should be punished; however, the blatant racism and sexism of this sentence is an outrage. My guess is there are other examples of this around the country.

—Jann McHollan, Tampa, Fla.

Like all communities around the world, my town is composed of many ethnicities, but only one human race. It is critical to accurately distinguish between ethnicity and race so that all people can embrace their common genetic bond as one species of Homo sapiens. The misuse of "race," even in this MSNBC coverage, is unintentionally divisive and must be corrected.

—Thomas Mollner, Lake View Terrace, Calif.

I live in San Diego, Calif. I must say that the Hispanic population is horrible here. There is a city called Chula Vista that is one of the largest cities in San Diego and it is basically ALL Mexican. It is a serious issue here because Mexicans have totally changed once predominatly black or Asian communities. They have neighborhoods that are all Mexican and stores that pertain to their culture with the Mexican flag hanging high instead of also sharing the American flag so proudly. I mean this is the country that so many of them are eventually going to take over within the next three decades. It gets very frustrating that my child is one of the three African-American children in his pre-school out of 35 Mexican kids. It upsets me that our health-care system is flooded with illegals and that it is almost impossible to get a job here because a lot of places now have to "cater to the majority," which is Hispanic. ... This is not brought to light here in San Diego because people only see it as a beautiful city. There is a serious issue here that needs to be delt with. California is making it so easy for an illegal to not have to worry about not being a legal citizen in this state.

—Ashley Smith, San Diego, Calif.

My despair is in the fact that too many white Americans do not want to allow black Americans to express their true feelings about the past history of the black people in this nation.

—Grace Minns-Atkins, Riviera Beach, Fla.

There is one black family in my immediate neighborhood. They are very good neighbors and their kids are very respectful. The gentleman and I get along quite well. We do nothing socially except attend the same church where he teaches one of the classes. He is from Trinidad and is quite well-educated. I personally like the family and chat periodically with the older son, about 17. I am from NewOrleans and was the only white kid in my neighborhood. I mingled with the black community there quite well and had several black friends. I think that experience helped me understand, to some extent, the plight of the black community. I have developed the opionion that, to a large extent, some of the leaders of the black community do very little for their fellows and espouse hate speach against the white community. The latest example, of course, is Mr. Wright, Mr. Obama's mentor. I have nothing at all against Mr. Obama except that he is a very liberal Democrat and I find it hard to believe that such a smooth-talker could embrace Mr. Wright's hate rhetoric. I am also disappointed in his wife that has found it so hard to find anything she likes about this country. I have no hatred for the Obamas but do think they should feel proud of a country that has given them the opportunity to have such an upscale life style. Often, some of the black community, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice as a couple of prime examples, actually stand up and try to set the example for their community. And some, like Bill Cosby, not only set a shining example but also tries to speak to his fellow blacks only to get derided and booed off the stage. I heard it said recently that when a people feel they are owed something they tend to sit back and wait till they get something. When a people feel they have to, will and can succeed on their own, they tend to excel. If the black community would stop listening to and embracing the numerous hate-mongers and start counting on themselves to make their way in life, I feel certain they would find a very nice life. I think Mrs. Obama should sit back and count the number of black millionaires, including her and her husband. Then maybe, somewhere down deep, she might be able to conjur up some appreciation for this country.

—Bill Sipes, Salt Lake City, Utah

What gives me the greatest hope is the real possiblity of a first African American president. The message to the international community local community as well will be one of a changing America. With a subsequent election of Obama would present young African American males with the ultimate role model that would fuel a new and better belief in themselves and their own possibilities for a better life and more involvement in their community.

—George Streat, Snellville, Ga.

More from msnbc.com Cosmic Log: No post-convention bounce? World Blog: Pakistanis worry about Zardari rule First Read: McCain may have missed opportunity GOP delegates ponder that unsettling 'what if?' How smart are you? Take our news quiz Red Tape: Was Palin's SSN published on Web?   Week in Pictures: Natural disasters, political moments

MORE FROM GUT CHECK AMERICA

Gut Check America Section Front

Minn. economy buffeted by crosscurrents Still in a home, by the skin of her teeth Is it really just 'the economy, stupid?' FirstPerson: Minnesota readers discuss economy High energy costs cut two ways in Colorado Struggling at a million-dollar horse stable FirstPerson: Colorado readers discuss economy How are you faring in Colorado, Minnesota? Gut Check America Section Front   Add Gut Check America headlines to your news reader: