Have you ever asked yourself, “If I had been alive during the Holocaust, what would I have done? If I had been alive during slavery, what would I have done? If I had been alive during the battle for equal rights for all Americans, what would I have done?”
Well, we each are doing it right now. We are witnessing the slow and deliberate “genocide” of American democracy.
Ask yourself, “Am I being driven by love of my country and her people or fear of those with darker skin?”
We need ICE agents, border patrol agents, all law enforcement to be adequately trained and reasonably seasoned and experienced in dealing professionally and compassionately with others.
We need men and women who lead using their hearts and their heads, using reason and compassion instead of fear of others.
By all means, go after the criminal element, no matter what their race, but that needs to be applied equitably to culture and color. We all win if we recognize racism, work together to respect differences, and nurture democracy as it was intended.
Ethel Landers
Arroyo Grande
This article appears in February 5 – February 12, 2026.