To the Editor:

Here we are in 2019 arguing about worthiness to be an American citizen. Down through time some have wanted race, gender, wealth, property, education, religion, intelligence and other factors to determine/limit citizenship.

Note that two of these factors (race and gender) are beyond each individual’s control. My DNA was determined by my mother and father. I had nothing to do with my racial makeup or my gender. Neither did anyone else who has ever been born. 

In my youth I often heard this — “He can’t help it that he is black.” Oddly no one ever reminded me that I could not help it that I was white. That truth was omitted or ignored as a way to belittle someone who was of African descent.

A guiding principle of Peter Pan, The Golden Rule and Jesus Christ is to take care of someone else. Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

America is in deep trouble if we ignore that philosophical/religious truism. Do you worship a god that/who allows you to hate someone or feel superior to them?

Dave Waldrop

Webster