All Americans of good will are saddened by the death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis. He was a voice for justice and compassion in a world that has too little of it.

By some, he was dismissed as just a politician, concerned only with his “own people.” Lewis saw all people as part of his people; the human family, even those he disagreed with. His dedication to the cause of equality drove him to join the causes of all people seeking freedom, equality and justice. His call was (and is) to all of us to join together to make our American ideals — liberty, justice, equality — a reality for all.

Today in the U.S., we struggle with the coronavirus and a bad economy. These should be more than enough. Yet many of us insist on indulging in our petty bigotries and hatreds, sometimes through violence: racism, anti-Semitism, religious bigotry, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia, ageism, even hatred of people with disabilities.

Lewis would see us as misguided but not beyond help. May his example guide us to an America for all.

Leo Nagorski

Shaler

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