Saturday, May 16, 2009

Racial Prejudice in Alsea, Oregon

Yesterday on the front page of the Corvallis Gazette Times was an article about a hate crime in Alsea where I live. It was titled "'Reckless burning' shocks family." Summer MacLean who has a 13 year old adopted African American son found a five foot long charred cross in their front lawn. This is outrageous. Hate crimes can never be condoned or excused. No one should be treated like this. It is unacceptable and there should be zero tolerance for any hint of racial prejudice in every town across the United States.

Deputy Clay Stephens from the Benton County Sheriff Department is declaring this a reckless burning which makes light of it. This isn't okay and I'm deeply disappointed to hear that the Benton County Sheriff Department is not taking this seriously. Hate crimes can not be tolerated.

Alsea School Superintendent Jon St. Germaine says "...Alsea is a welcoming and caring community." I disagree. Alsea is a welcoming and caring community IF and ONLY IF you agree with the majority, act like the majority, think like the majority, and look like the majority. If you have different opinions that are not accepted, you are not welcomed and cared about. I was told in a bible study group when I first moved here that if you don't fall into line and agree with what is acceptable that you are driven out. That isn't Christ-like or charitable.

Anyone who participated in this or agrees with what happened or has feelings of racial prejudice in their heart should hang their heads with shame.

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