I would like to respond to the article, “Slavery Started in African Countries” by George Simousek (Sun City West Independent, Aug 8). In his diatribe of misinformation and utter nonsense, George compares his mother requiring him to pick up his clothes and do family chores to the institution of slavery. How utterly absurd!

George, did your mother whip you and tear the skin off your back leaving you with permanent scars? Did she subject you to rape and/or torture? Were you sold to another “owner” in another state so that you could never see your family again? Were you forbidden to learn how to read or whipped severely if you touched a gun? I thought not.

The fact is “slavery” is America’s original sin and shame. We, as a nation, have never dealt with all the ramifications of that disgusting, dehumanizing and racist institution. Expecting 4 million slaves, which was one-eighth of our population in 1865, to quickly become productive members of white society was an impossible expectation.

Jim Crow laws in the south and discrimination throughout America prevented Black Americans from reaching their potential. Segregated schools prevented most of these citizens from acquiring the skills they needed to succeed in this great land. Remember, well into the 1960s, African­ Americans were drinking at segregated drinking fountains, denied access to hotels, universities, etc. This was America only a half century ago!

It should be noted that many African Americans continue to face unfair policies that White America takes for granted. Over 400 bills have been proposed by Republicans since the last election that would make it more difficult for minorities to vote. George, do you support these racist measures? George, have you ever been targeted by police for driving in the wrong neighborhood or walking in a certain section of town? Again, I thought not.

How easy it must be for privileged White America to judge people who must overcome obstacles we never had to face. Yes George, I am a 69-year­-old White Caucasian, but I hope and pray that the day will come when America can truly be a land where discriminatory policies, thoughts and actions are buried once and for all!