23 Comments
User's avatar
Karen's avatar

Absolutely true, we have a white supremacy problem. I have biracial grandchildren and fear for them in the present days.I recently told the older granddaughter not to take any trips of distance because of the white supremacy that appear to be more prevalent now. She was attending nursing school last year and she encountered direct rascism and that was only in the next county. She was questioned by a white man while pumping gas and he followed her after and she was terrified. She was also stopped by the local police in that county for no reason and questioned her,asking what was she doing in the area. She was so scared she started crying and he attempted to reasure her he was just wanting to know why she was in the area. She attended part time so several days a week she was in that area. I'm sure the police had seen her several times and then decided to stop her. It's not the first time she's experienced social profiling, but these experiences really shook her up, and rightfully so. She is one of the most loving and caring people I've ever known. She is giving and cares for all. She's probably more intelligent than most, holding 3 additional degrees in psychology and early childhood development along with her nursing degree now. I wish we all could see a person instead of just the color of their skin. I've always loved knowing people of multiple ethnic backgrounds. They are friends I truly love. I love to know their traditions, different foods they make and just what great people they truly are. ❤️

Expand full comment
Susan's avatar

I also have a grandson I raised and am so afraid for him that I made him get a passport to carry with him at all times. This is insane.

Expand full comment
Pat's avatar

One of your more powerful pieces. We can't be "comfortable" in these times if we want to make positive change to benefit our country and the people who live here. Keep going!

Expand full comment
Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

Damn! You are my hero, Walter. Never apologize for telling your story and being vulnerable in the process. It’s our stories shown with real emotion that can make the changes necessary. Thank you for your bravery. You gave him a lot to think about. Those words will likely needle him a bit, hopefully to the point that he won’t go around spouting the BS anymore. We never really know how we impact each other, but I suspect you really did. 💕

Expand full comment
Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Suzanne.

Expand full comment
Bill the (retired) IT Geek's avatar

Great story, Walter. I wish I could be that articulate and prepared when confronted by an idiot.

Expand full comment
William Weaver's avatar

She’s a human being. Don’t all lives matter? That and the point about the immigrants being Christians really struck me. These are important points.

Expand full comment
Dog Bless Us's avatar

it breaks my heart your family has to suffer it seems humanity is bound to constantly relive the mistakes it refuses to learn from-

“To be or not to be? Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them…”

I stand with you.

Expand full comment
Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

You make palpable how individual families are touched by the muddy messaging

Expand full comment
Andre Milteer MA, AFC's avatar

@Walter — Remember to Hold Your Powder; rather to lose the battle vs losing the War! Netflix: “The American Society of Amazing Negroes.” {comedy}

Expand full comment
William Weaver's avatar

"Magical" ;)

Expand full comment
Andre Milteer MA, AFC's avatar

right

Expand full comment
Mary Wondra (WA)'s avatar

Wonderful story. Keep up the good work. Kindness and love are doing important in these dark days.

Expand full comment
Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you! The stacks, shares, and comments are a huge help too!

Expand full comment
Karin Tamerius's avatar

Congratulations on your conversation! Challenging dialogue with people we disagree with is how democracy works. The only way to change public opinion is to talk with those who see the world differently. Yes, you stumbled at times, but if you keep doing it, you'll get better over time. I finally started talking with people I disagree with in 2017. It took a while, but now I can do it without breaking a sweat and with the joy that comes from knowing I'm making a difference. I hope more Americans follow your example.

Expand full comment
Dannys's avatar

Well the rioters are in the buildings, only these guys can read and write

Expand full comment
Bushwacked71's avatar

We’ve must separate from Euro Americans, that will show them.

Expand full comment
Boyd's avatar

especially with the new administration in the so-called at this point in time United States of America. So when Trump changes the name, there’s no more constitution get it. I believe this is the point that we’re waiting for.

Expand full comment
Carol's avatar

I wish people could see deeply enough to realize that skin is just a little layer of cells. The physical reality is that underneath, everything is the same. Unfortunately, minds are something else entirely. And that’s why we must speak up against the madness.

Expand full comment
Zsolt Kohalmi The Late Harvest's avatar

Walter,

I am afraid, very difficult years are ahead. I wish you strength, and keep the intelligent repulsion of the primitive hate. When I served in D.C. at the Hungarian Embassy, it was still the Cold War. Two years of Carter was far better for us, than two years of Reagan.

Expand full comment