March 31, 2004

Race Relations

We know that we are all brothers, yet we cannot bear to accept it. No matter how we try there is lingering doubt, unreasoned fear, deep-seated prejudice. Why is it so, we ask? The joke that everyone has heard about the Lone Ranger and Tonto is informative. They are surrounded by hostile Indians and almost out of ammunition. The situation grows more desperate by the minute, and Lone Ranger says, "We are in big trouble, Tonto." Tonto replies, "What do you mean we, White Man." Everyone laughs nervously.

Ask yourself why the Lone Ranger rode the white horse and Tonto the paint. How often did Tonto give orders for the Lone Ranger to follow? The Lone Ranger's bullets were made of silver; what were Tonto's bullets made of? Can you say with certainty whether your friend of a different color will stand with his back to yours when it counts?

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