PREJUDICE
		I find it amazing that the Democrats, talking heads, spinsters and others talk about Al Gore's pick of a Vice Presidential running mate as a breakthrough because he's Jewish. They are comparing the choice of Senator Joe Lieberman, as a person of Jewish religion, to the novelty of John F. Kennedy running for President as a Catholic forty years ago. They are even talking about how "breaking this barrier" is going to happen at the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, the same city where Kennedy's nomination took place. What amazes me is the obvious prejudice that must exist in Washington and this country for anyone to think that this is a wonderful happening because of the man's religion. This country was founded over 200 years ago on the premise that all are created equal, with the freedom to worship the religion of choice. So why is this an issue of importance in the great melting pot? It shouldn't even be a question or create a stir in America. The very fact that politicians and promoters sell this as a breakthrough makes me wonder if they know what prejudice is. Those who make it an issue are projecting their own prejudice. And, unfortunately, we're getting it from Gore, the Democrats and even Senator Lieberman himself. Unfortunately, we're getting it from the very people who are supposed to be liberal, broadminded, supporters of the common man. It seems that they have not only forgotten what their party stands for but that they do't even know when they, themselves, are being prejudice. What do you suppose someone like Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado thinks about this? Where do you suppose it puts America's Indians on the scale of opportunity in Washington? Or anyone who might follow Buddha, Mohammed or almost any Eastern religion. If it took 170 years for a Catholic to get to a level playing field with Protestants, and 40 more years for a Jew to get there, imagine what it must be like to be a Zoroastrian in this country. How about Alan Keyes, Jesse Jackson, General Colin Powell or even Malcolm X? How about women like Elizabeth Dole or Geradine Ferraro, both past presidents of the American Red Cross? Do you suppose this puts Dianne Feinstein of California a notch up on Loretta Sanchez, also of California? Let's recognize this hoop-la for what it is, folks. Ask yourself why this is an issue and what prejudice really is. Be prepared to accept the idea that most Americans may not consciously know that they hold prejudices, much less where they came from.