I am proud of our congressman, Fred Upton, for standing up for what is right and condemning President Trump’s racist comments about four elected representatives.  Frankly, I am disappointed that only four Republicans had the same sense of right versus wrong and the same guts that Mr. Upton displayed.

As a white American of European descent, I have never experienced being targeted by racists and told to “go back” anywhere.  I first witnessed such racism when I was in high school.  A black family moved to our block in Niles, thus integrating the neighborhood.  The boy who moved in was a classmate and friend of mine.  Shortly after they moved in, during the night, some neighbor men painted “GO BACK” and the “N” word on their garage door.  The new family did not go back, and I was proud of my mother and other neighbor ladies who welcomed the family to our block.

Are you willing to state in an editorial, that, like our Congressman, you also condemn our president’s racist language?  Mrs. LaSata and Mr. Paquette, can you answer that question at your next coffee chats?  A simple “yes” or “no,” just as Mr. Upton had to come forth and say it, is all that’s needed.  No equivocating, no long explanation, just a simple yes or no answer.  If no one else will ask, I’ll come and have a cup and I will ask it. 

John Jarpe

Niles