Dear Editor: I am responding to your comments in Friday’s paper entitled, "Stick to peanuts, Jimmy." I certainly believe you do not have to be racist to disagree with President Obama’s policies. Constructive criticism is a necessary and beneficial part of our system of government. Also, racism surely can cut both ways — not just white people can be racist.

The election of Obama has shown we have come a long way as a nation in our attitudes regarding race. Not long ago, members of my deep southern family would never have imagined it in their worst nightmares. But, the election of Obama also has fueled the fires of racism. I have heard a number of comments from persons that are not even thinly veiled racism. If you have not, you just do not get out much. By the way, the battle against racism is a humanitarian effort.