I didn’t have any choice to be born white or brown and neither did you.
United States President Donald Trump didn’t choose not to be born Black or anything else. The people of our countries are diverse in colour.
People who are rioting are not addressing the underlying problem, and governments on most levels have not addressed or dealt with it correctly.
People are hurting and dying because they want to be heard and start change in society. This is no excuse for violence. Burning cities, looting someone’s livelihood and destroying the economy for any reason does not “right the problem.” It is hoped peaceful protests will.
I didn’t choose this country as “my home and native land” but I’m so thankful I was born a Canadian – a second generation person growing up in Chilliwack. I have not had to live under oppression like some of our neighbours have experienced. It must be difficult, but rioting is not the answer.
Stay safe and be kind.
J. Vangen
• Send your letter to the editor via email to editor@theprogress.com. Please include your first and last name, address, and phone number.
• READ MORE: Chilliwack Progress Letters