In a recent letter critical of Ken Burns’ documentary on the Holocaust (“The U.S. and the Holocaust,” Recorder, Oct. 17), I was once again reminded of the fragile patriotism of my fellow Americans. Any slight of our great national importance, or emphasis on the many dark sides of American character or foreign policy sends many people on a rant that often approaches antisemitism or racism. Please, be honest, we as a people and as a country have achieved many things but we have and are committing actions that need to be discussed and examined. The teaching of truthful civics and history need to increased in our schools and brought to the adult population as well. If I walked through the world as a conceited know-it-all where would that get me or those around me? I try to recognize my faults and own up to them, while trying to do better. It cannot be “our country right or wrong” if we hope to be part of a better world.
Robert Fairchild
Royalston