Most Americans have problems being labelled. I know I do. But the ugly truth is that fear, suspicion and mistrust are an integral part of the American psyche when it comes to the "other" - a person or group that is different looking or whose belief systems are not like one’s own. Education and life experience can change perceptions, but that requires work - self-examination and a willingness to see things from another’s point of view. I am a Caucasian mother of two bi-racial children, now adults, and I came to terms with my own skewed perceptions very early on when I realized that my two adopted children and their "white" siblings were treated differently, at school, at social events and elsewhere, even by acquaintances (never by real friends and family). I became angrier and angrier. Nothing ever justified what they had to endure simply because of their skin color. No one ever had the right to judge them on that basis alone. Yet it happened, regardless of their obvious intelligence, good manners, and their inner and outer beauty. Our President is being judged, not so much for his performance only eight months into his first Presidential term, but for his "difference", and it makes me sick and ashamed of supposedly adult Americans whose language and behavior betray their racism. Civil discourse,  mature conversation- challenging the issues - all are part of the American dialogue. Ugliness, violence, hatred and fear of "difference" have no place in a civilized society. Not only do I denounce this behavior, wherever it appears, I know that it will be the downfall of this great country. You should read what the citizens of other, First World countries are saying about Americans. It is eye-opening and embarrassing to see how we are perceived by people who have always looked up to America and Americans. President Obama deserves our respect for the job he is doing under the most difficult of circumstances. For those who disagree with him there are sensible, mature ways of expressing themselves. All of the vile talk coming from their corner is only making them look and sound as ignorant and ineffective as schoolyard bullies.

So true Leigh! The race card falls on the left’s shoulders. They have set America back 50 years.

After reading your Dear Margo column for 2+ years (and Dear Prudence before that), I must bid you adieu. This labeling me as a racist because I neither think Obama has the experience required for the job, nor do I like the direction in which he wants to take this country leaves me no other choice. I simply refuse to believe that I owe anyone a living or insurance- and because I say that, I must be a racist. Because the policies that I would support do not align with Obama, I am a racist? That is desperately grasping for straws in an attempt to commandeer my acquiescence.

Sherri, pointedly.

Dear Margo,

I am a political junkie and with all that has been going on lately I have both loved it and hated it at the same time.  Love the opportunity to debate, but hate the fact that most who I am debating with aren’t debating on the subjects at issue, but instead are coming from a place of race. But would never admit it publicly of course.

I believe in staying well informed and aware of almost everything that happens in our country. No Scarlet O’Hara here, no "fiddlely dee, I’ll think of that tomorrow…" from me, I prefer to deal with issues. So I can and do hold my own with those who have opposing viewpoints on an issue. But when it is clear the opposition isn’t talking to me about their hatred for President Obama’s healthcare plan, but instead their hatred of him, what am I to say? Nothing.

I want you to appreciate how much your words in this article have affected me and to please hear me out. ( I will try to type this through my tears, so forgive any typos)

This comment is one echoed across the United States in every African American church every Sunday. Black pastors in long robes standing at the pulpit will shout out to their congregation "When will America see US as Americans! When will we ever be free!"

I’m in tears now and overcome with emotion because there are children in my family who hear and see these nasty and vicious signs and rallies. They hear the shouts and racist remarks by angry white faces on television. Their parents making the decision not to shield them from the ugly side of America. Every time it is brought up in their schools, among their friends or seen on TV, we have to YET AGAIN have "the talk" with them and explain that those people don’t represent all Americans.

But Margo why are we still having this discussion in 2009? Why am I as a Black woman and Barack Obama as a Black man, still not seen as human beings in the eyes of our fellow Americans? I say it all the time to others and to some extent to reassure myself that the majority of Whites in America aren’t racist, but if that is true, why aren’t more White people like yourself speaking out against it?

I can remember when I was very young and was picked on at a all White school I was bussed to. I came home crying to my father that I hated the people there and didn’t want to go back. And in his Martin Luther King Jr. manner he had, he lectured me on sticking it out, and fighting the good fight. To show these kids who I was and not do that to win over their acceptance, but to gain their respect. And day after day I would come home for weeks and the same sermon was read to me by Rev. Jim. Night after night.

And after a month the kids saw me as just another child and the teachers finally embraced me. And because I lived through that, my life from that moment was filled with multi-cultural people. Black- White - Gay  - Straight - Rich - Poor, it makes my life fuller and reminds me that the world around me is broad instead of narrow.

But is it really? My father is probably rolling over in his grave but I AM TIRED OF FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT DAD! I’m tired of turning the other cheek only to have the other slapped as well. I’m tired of being seen as a Black person instead of Belinda Joy. And I’m tired of hearing my president portrayed as if he is an animal, Nazi or buffoon! Not because of anything he has said or done, but because of the color of his skin!

As angry as these ignorant people at town halls and rallies are with their hatred, I am becoming just as angry.  I see these people on my screen and my hand to God Margo, my first thought is "Aren’t we all Americans? Oh yeah I forgot….I’m not right?" I know these people don’t care that they are hurting millions of Blacks with their words, and I assure you the millions of Blacks who are hurt would never admit it in public. To do so is a sign of weakness.

But the truth is I am hurt. Each monkey reference  Hitler comparison or image of a White man standing with pride with a gun hanging from their hip hurts me. Because it serves as a reminder that Whites don’t accept me and those like me. As the many Black pastors pose to their congregation "when will we ever be free?" WIll we forever be viewed as slaves, less than human, merely chattle?

It just makes me sad and breaks my spirit. I don’t know if it is because I had a stressful day, lack of sleep or what….but your article touched a nerve and has brought me to tears.

Thank you for standing up Margo when far too many others are choosing to stay seated. And thank you for speaking out while others choose to stay silent.

Agreed Sherri, it’s a damn shame that one can’t disagree with this administration without being called a racist. I DON’T LIKE OBAMA, I DON’T RESPECT OBAMA, I DON’T LIKE THE TRILLIONS HE’S THROWING AROUND, I DON’T LIKE THE AMERICAN OVERHAUL HE’S ATTEMPTING, I DON’T LIKE THE COMPANY HE KEEPS. Seriously people, he’s got more communists in his cabinet than Stalin had. He has NO idea what the hell he’s doing. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOO, it’s ALL about him being 1/2 black……what the hell ever! It has EVERYTHING to do with him being an idiot. I would have voted for the purple people eater if it would have been good for this country. As it is, all hell is going to break loose in America, but I can rest easy in the fact that I voted AGAINST the worst president ever, well, aside from carter! And that does NOT make me a racist, it makes me PRO AMERICAN, PRO MILITARY, PRO LIFE, PRO GUN, PRO ISREAL, and ANTI BIG GOVERNMENT!