NOTHING TO FEAR BUT DIVISION

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The tone of America is disturbing. The division in this country is falling dangerously along racial lines. For the life of me, I can't understand why.

Statistics released recently showed that Vice President Al Gore received more of the black vote than any candidate in history. President-elect George W. Bush appoints more blacks to his Cabinet than any president in history. Yet minority leaders have yet to favorably comment on his selections. It's a puzzle that defies understanding.

I am disturbed by this racial divide and am becoming reluctant to address the topic in this humble column for fear of being part of the problem instead of part of the solution. Yet you can't reach understanding without debate. Understanding is currently in short supply.

Let me give you the latest example of this growing frustration. It's an example that would largely go unnoticed by most, yet it clearly represents the growing divide we must face. It comes from the mouth of baseball immortal Hank Aaron.

Aaron, along with 27 other great Americans, was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal. The award recognizes Aaron's courage and dignity that have left a mark on more than just baseball. The award was obviously well-deserved and perhaps long overdue.

In accepting his award, Aaron said, "I've been spoiled because of Bill Clinton. I think most African Americans have been spoiled because Bill Clinton has done what's right. So until I see what happens, I guess I'm going to be like most Americans. I'm going to be afraid. I'm going to be frightened until something happens that's good for all of us."

Say it ain't so, Hank.

I truly don't believe most Americans are afraid or frightened over the prospect of the Bush presidency. And I believe this half-empty attitude will eventually destroy this nation.

Mr. Aaron, you have no reason for fear. You have reason for hope and promise and optimism. You live in a nation of opportunity and equality. There is much that remains to be done, but facing this new century with fear is loathsome.

America -- black and white -- should take pride in the first African American secretary of state. We should take pride in a strong African American as our education secretary. Our national security adviser, an awesomely powerful post, will be manned by a female African American. How wonderful and diverse. What amazing hope and promise this bodes for our great nation.

Fear?

Why?

If we seek to divide, then division will come easily. The easier task is to sow seeds of dissension. But why face a new day with fear instead of seeing the promise of a new dawn that will offer greater opportunities for all Americans?

I don't know the answer.

~Michael Jensen is publisher of the Standard Democrat.