Thank you for your enlightening and informative editorial on Feb. 15. If we should celebrate equal rights for one particular factor of our society, why not project the image of George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington or Abraham Lincoln, who all did more to elevate the freedoms, potentials and respect of Afro-Americans than the man whose birthday has become a national holiday?
I have no quarrel with real heroes, but let's put into perspective who those heroes really are, and what they have done for all Americans, regardless of race, color or creed. Lincoln and George Washington are two of those great, unforgettable heroes, and are worthy to stand tall before all people, regardless of the individual's heritage. Neither of them have their own day of recognition any longer.Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver were both great educators and inventors, both were influential at the Tuskegee Institute, and both were instrumental in obtaining higher education for children who otherwise would have remained unschooled. Neither was a racial activist, nor were they noted for infidelity, but both men will always be remembered as national heroes by all true Americans.
To extend this equality one step further, where is the national "hero's" holiday for American Indians, the Jewish, Asians, European or Latino, etc.? This letter is not to detract from those who have been great examples and humanitarians for those whose ancestors were out of Africa - it is merely to state that we should honor the heroes and treat the allegiance of all Americans fairly, and accord equal rights to all.
LaRee Chaston
Salt Lake City