[VonErmad4]

Both echinacea and pinky make very good points, Paul. This issue of race relations in this country is complex and evolving. If you lived in the South in the 1960s, as I did, your experience might have been quite different than in other parts of America. However, even saying that, my own experience was quite unique. My early childhood and education was spent in Hawaii where children of every race, color and creed lived in the same neighborhoods and went to the same schools, churches, playgrounds, etc. When I moved to Florida in the mid-60s, I couldn't understand why everyone in my school and neighborhood was the same color. The mainland during those times was a culture shock for me, but I did not succumb to the beliefs of my new peers, many of whom shared their parents' racist views. My earliest childhood experience has always stayed with me.

My point in this: most people never outlive thier prejudices and bigotries. Hatred, distrust and stereotypes are passed on generationally. To his credit, Sen. Byrd seems to have broken that cycle in a very public way. That's something positive.