To the Editor:

Many people say that the long-standing racial injustices in our country do not greatly affect our community, that we are far removed from the current tensions. I would argue that point — if we have learned anything from the current coronavirus , it should be that we are not unaffected by events in the world simply because we are physically distanced, or because we are, ourselves, are not physically touched by it.

At some point, you will be touched. You will have a loved one who is hurting, and you will be touched. You will have a child who asks difficult questions, and you will be touched. You will find that someone you depend on is no longer there, and you will be touched.

To live in a community that feels unaffected by the discrimination and violence against people of color happening throughout the United States, and even globally now, is to live in a bubble, removed from the world around you. It is like living with cancer and pretending you are not ill.

And if you think yourself immune, you will find that you have become infected, and passed on that infection to those around you. I chose to live in Rensselaerville because I saw a community of people who care about each other, who watch out for each other, and help each other in times of need.

So it does not surprise me that so many people came out last week to march in support of our black friends, families, coworkers, first responders, educators, military members, and more — near or far. I greatly appreciate being in a community that realizes justice, compassion and empathy are not restricted to physical boundaries. 

Viviane Galloway

Rensselaerville