On forgiveness.

I think we white folks have reason to be joyful. And grateful. Because black people may ultimately forgive us for our sins. For the cruelty we've done to them over the ages. Yes, right here in America. We've been racists. White supremists. From the beginning. We denied real people their basic human and civil rights for a long, long time. We denied them respect. We whites have a shameful legacy. As a society. Some of us are still doing it. We are reluctant to give up our racist attitudes and ways. But we're getting there. Slowly. But surely. In large part, I think, because the oppressed among us have endured. To an amazing degree. And they have taught some of us something. About kindness. And love. And a willingness to forgive -- if we genuinely ask for forgiveness. --Jim Broede