Letters: People are people

Just read an article by John Bowers in the Tribune — “It takes an act of nature.”

First part I could identify with. As young kids growing up, we take on images of our family and friends. Church and teachers. I grew up outside of Chicago. Left there in 1959. We had ethnic districts, like many cities. South side, don’t go there, blacks. Oakpark? Italians. OK, but watch out. We were Germans in our area — some Polish (hi, Larry) — and mostly they were the butt of jokes. I was told they were all stupid.

When I was about 10 (1951), we went to an open house at ORD (Orchard Airport) — now O’Hare. It was a manufacturing field for C-54s during the war. The Buick plant down the road converted to making Pratt and Whitney engines during the war. Here I was, a little kid, and the new F-86 Saber Jet was taxiing by. Beautiful, top of the line. As they passed, one of the pilots was waving to the crowd.

He was Black. How could that be? Top of the line jet and a person that was supposed to be stupid was flying it? I was in shock. Soon after, I realized that people are people.

I am a Conservative; always will be. Worked all my life and know what is right.

For Mr. Bowers to say that Conservatives are not open minded is falsehood. Look at Cory Booker, Jasmine Crockett, AOC, Schumer, Newsom. Jefferies, Maxine. Perhaps yourself. I worked with all types, and there are all types. Some good and some bad. What I have seen is, most of the bad are represented by Unions.

Look at your voter guides. Backed by Unions, Law Enforcement and like minded Democrats. Check it out before you vote.

As for that Black pilot, I figured if he could do it, so could I.

And I did. Thanks.

— Bill Hoffrage,

Madera