| Adele Fergusen’s editorial regarding slavery (“Why do blacks continue to support Democrats?”) is as shocking as it is disgraceful. To suggest that the lives of black American slaves were in any way comparable to the lives of indentured servants shows an ignorance of American history that is stunning.
To criticize black Americans for “not rising above” their treatment is even more offensive. As late as 1964, less than 10 percent of black children in the South attended desegregated schools; a smaller percentage of their parents were allowed to vote. Racial discrimination was enforced in many areas in the nation through law, custom, and in some cases, violence.
To even imply that such factors reflected anything other than racism, and to minimize their impact on the black community, is simply ignorant tripe. Mrs. Fergusen should be ashamed of herself.
Dr. Mitchell Lerner
Dublin, Ireland | 
