In his commentary, "Prescription to help the middle class," July 27, President Barack Obama outlined what this country must do to "...build a better bargain for the middle class — to make sure everyone who works hard has a chance to get ahead in the 21st century economy." He concluded his remarks by pledging to do all he can to "...make sure that the American Dream is something that's achievable for everybody."
These remarks included me and others that look like me. These statements include middle-class African-Americans, Latinos, Asians and many others who comprise the rich cultural diversity in the Capital Region community.
I am intimately acquainted with many middle-class people of color who are doctors, lawyers, teachers, school administrators, engineers, construction workers, nurses, culinary specialists, business people and laborers. Yet, we were conspicuously absent from the photo that was associated with President Obama's commentary when it published.
The print media, the Times Union is intended to be a source of the truth. This depiction is not the truth. Are your readers to believe that only white people make up the middle class in this country, in the Capital Region?
Please don't undermine the cultural richness of this community by perpetuating a myth that all of us do not contribute to the economic strength of our great country. A slight such as this has ripple effects on the validity of other statements that may be included in your paper. We all work hard and seek the American Dream.
Carolyn McLaughlin
Albany Common
Council President, Albany