Reggie Rivers’ column made a powerful point
Re: “I’m perceived as a Rottweiler,” June 7 commentary
I want to thank you, Reggie Rivers, for this commentary. The use of the Labrador and Rottweiler as examples makes it easy for most people to relate to the material.
I have tried so many times in my life to get some people to understand racism and was unable to make my point. Your article does it simply, and effectively.
I believe that racism will never be totally eradicated, but that if people can be made to understand what racism is, and all that it encompasses, significant change can be made.
I don’t know what life is like as a black man, but I do know what life as been like as a brown man.
People such as yourself, are who I use as examples for inspiration for my children, and who I reference when I debate others.
Thank you for your wisdom, your articulation, and your time in writing this article.
Manuel Quintana, Frederick
Reggie’s analogy was brilliant and hopefully relatable to a huge audience. As a white senior, I pray that change will come this time. I can’t fathom why humans have to be prejudiced.
Sharon Westmoreland, Aurora
I have always been a huge fan of Reggie Rivers so that probably doesn’t make me the most unbiased reader out here, and typically I’m never moved to respond to articles. However, Rivers’ analogy of the Labrador Retriever and the Rottweiler is spot on one of the best descriptors of perceptions towards white and black people that I have ever seen.
Even though I consider myself fair and unbiased, when I read Rivers’ article, I realized anew that when we don’t “walk in another man’s shoes,” we really have no idea of another race’s (or breed’s) realities. Thanks, Mr. Rivers, for the quiet patience you exhibit in your writing. Hopefully, it resonated with many.
Melanie Zgabay, Golden
Help small businesses stay afloat with changes to federal loans
We were set to have our most profitable year yet, but when COVID-19 hit, we had to close our gym. Then came the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and with it more frustration as we received little guidance on the application process and loan forgiveness. Now, we have the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, a piece of legislation that finally takes into account the true costs of running a small business.
I’m grateful for the loan I received through PPP. It allowed me to move my business online and without that capability, we’d have no income to keep us afloat. But now that we have the money, itap become clear PPP as-is will not afford small businesses enough flexibility. For example, my payroll is only 25% of my expenses, so I can’t expect to have my full-loan forgiven. Every business runs differently and has different needs during this crisis.
I encourage members of Congress to vote in favor of the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act this week to ensure small businesses receive the support we need through the loan program. PPP wasn’t set up in a way to provide adequate relief for small businesses, but this legislation works to fix that.
Sven Martin, Denver
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