I grew up in an era and with parents who referred to people with dark skin as "niggers". Shameful! I was also raised in the Catholic religion and was taught by nuns who told me that God created everyone equal.

What a dilema for a young kid. Who to believe?

As time passed and I grew into my own mind, I decided that people were just people, no matter the color of their skin or the religion they practiced.

When I had children of my own, I was determined to teach them just that, that people were people. Our house was filled with a very diverse group of folk...black, red, white and everything in between. We entertained plumbers, housewives, bankers, lawyers, carpenters, hotel maids, doctors, editors, writers, gas station attendents..every socio-economic group.

The question of bias or prejedice never entered our home. Folks got along well, enjoyed each other's company and exchanged different points of view, often agreeing to disagree.

I remember well the civil rights movement, the marches, the speaches...and the resistance.

And now, today, I hear of those who embrace segregation. I am at a loss. I fear there will never be peace on earth.

Until we reach a place where all people are considered the human race, nothing will change, race and religion will continue to provoke wars. Can we not learn from our past mistakes, the holocoust, the genocides...are they to go on forever?

I guess all we can do is take care of our little corner of the world and live in hope.