RIOT AFTERMATH : COMMENTARY: BLACK, WHITE, ASIAN PERSPECTIVES ON THE RIOTS

With the recent sad events in Los Angeles, we can be reminded that peace is again threatened by conditions that make a shambles of the belief that “the mainstream of American civilization is the dignity of each one in daily existence.”

Unhappily, these internal conflicts are strongly based on racial differences and have frequently been accompanied by physical violence. Sharp differences do continue to exist among us and are symptomatic of conditions in our economic and social climate that must be frankly faced, correctly understood and wisely dealt with if we are to achieve stability, prosperity, contentment and happiness.

Whether we like it or not, we live in a changing world, yet the power structure continues to display its instinctive fear of change. It is cautious. Minds and institutions that have over the years developed and crystallized in conformity with certain patterns that bred racism and protected the “haves” from the “have-nots” need to adjust themselves to a new and progressive pattern.

Ours is now a spiritual battle, the battle against all the manifestations of the racism disease that we find among all people. We must recognize as centers of infection those whose espousals or actions relate to any one of these attitudes:

* The exaltation of any race, or nationality, as superior to any other.

* The claim to rights or privileges on the basis of birth and blood.

* The justification of any means, no matter how ruthless, to gain a desired end.

* The denial of the dignity of the human being, and the oneness and solidarity of humanity.

It is the essence of this spiritual battle that it cannot be waged negatively. The common elements of heritage, experience and aspirations that make us all Americans and the submergence of differences in the creation of a new human community have to be the source of total commitment for progress of all citizens.

The fact is that we must cite the highly uneven distribution of the national income, which has become more keenly acute in recent years, as a major cause of civil unrest and urban riots.

In the economic sphere, we should guarantee both economic programs and security, with full employment for all people, as in the long range this will secure and protect the interest and security of all.

In the realm of relations among those of different racial, religious, national or cultural origins, we need to demonstrate that democracy is personal, that it comes into being through the day-by-day dealings between person and person.

Democracy as a form of government is suited only to a devout and disciplined people. In normal times it operates on its own momentum; in times of stress it requires poise, self-restraint and a staunch faith in national goals and local objectives.

Our Constitution affirms for all of us the equal right to live and flourish in these United States freely and without any penalty due to race, status and role.

It is an experiment as all life is an experiment. This experiment has been

infinitely rewarding for some Americans.

For Americans of color, female Americans and Americans who are out of the mainstream due to homophobia or religious views, it is an experiment that continues to wait on a side track, wondering when the engine will be coupled with a qualified engineer to open the throttle and move the nation toward a mainstream that is not polluted with the discharges from racism, sexism and the other “isms.”

When will we be able to say as a nation, “Get on board, get on board, there’s room for many a more?” Maybe we will have to design another engine and produce some different engineers. Some of this design can begin in the voting booth. Meantime, there is enough blame to go around, so the politicians should refrain from looking outward.