Dear Editor:

The biggest winner at the Academy Awards Ceremony was Tyler Perry when he spoke these words: “I refuse to hate Mexicans. I refuse to hate blacks! I refuse to hate whites! I refuse to hate Asians! I refuse to hate police!” These words should resonate throughout America and throughout the world. There is no room for hate anywhere or any place.

I have heard that California schools rank 48th as having the worst education in reading, math and science. Instead of prioritizing these essential studies, classes in critical race theory are being introduced. These classes will totally distract from the essential studies, and further polarize our country by emphasizing systemic racism and demonizing white students for happenings (slavery) by white founders of our country.

In addition to reading, writing and math, history of our great country and how we got here should be taught. Marxism - the teachings of socialism - should not be recommended as the way to prosperity and freedom, and examples should be given as to why in many other countries, socialism and communism have never worked. Capitalism has brought our country to where we are today, along with fair Constitutional laws, Bill of Rights, freedom of worship, freedom to vote, and etc.

Patriotism, love for country and respect for others’ opinions regardless of race or political persuasion should be strongly emphasized. Students should be taught to respect authority and obey the laws, refrain from hateful rhetoric and participating in riots that lead to looting and destruction of property all in the name of justice. Injustices should be handled in our courts.

Martha Morrissy
Downey