Original Letter Sent To Reading Eagle Editor

Dear Editor:
In recent weeks there have been accusations of people calling school board director Mr. Keith Stamm "racist". I worked with Mr. Stamm on many occasions. I served on his energy committee last year as a high school senior. We found ways to cut back energy costs throughout the district, so that we could save money for other things such as books , supplies, etc. I helped out very much in his mayoral campaign as well. Mr. Stamm constantly asked for my opinions and point of views on many issues. Even though we have our political differences Mr. Stamm gave me the wonderful opportunity to serve on his campaign, and I couldn't be more grateful, and we still keep in touch to discuss current issues. And did I mention I come from Hispanic decent? We had four students on our energy committee and all four came from different backgrounds not only ethnically but also religiously. The fact that we have people going around calling Mr. Stamm a racist is absolutely absurd. Racism may still be alive and well in some of the southern states but racism in Pennsylvania and Berks County has come to a standstill. If in 2008 we as a society are still going around accusing people of being racists, then it shows that our society has not gotten anywhere from the unjust world that we once lived in from the 60's and all previous decades. I think we have come a long way from that. Mr. Stamm has posted disclaimers all over his blog site saying he assumes no responsibility for what others post. Our founding fathers gave us freedom of speech and we have the ability to exercise that right as long as it does not hurt other people . There is nothing on that blog that is hurtful to the citizens of Reading, and Berks County, or any citizens for that fact. These accusations on Mr. Stamm are completely false. He has helped many people from all walks of life, putting their needs in front of his. This stunt by Rev McCraken and fellow school directors has been nothing more than a political stunt. Instead of accusing fellow school directors of being racist the board needs to work together to get things done, and to ensure that the district has the necessary tools at its disposal to ensure the students of the Reading School district are receiving a quality education and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Thank you and may God Bless

Nelson Diaz Jr.