Re “The Trump administration is showing us its white nationalism” (Opinion, July 16): After reading Kimberly Atkins Stohr’s column and the many negative comments posted online by BostonGlobe.com readers, I am reminded that for those who dismiss the racism of America’s history, the truth hurts.
My maternal grandfather was part Oglala Lakota and moved from Montana to West Virginia in the early 20th century. The first of his family to get a formal education, he became the commissioner of secondary roads, but he had to keep his heritage a secret since he would have been fired for having “dark blood.”
I adored Grandaddy. He had a bubbling sense of humor, but it masked a deep sadness. Occasionally I would see him sitting in his rocker with a faraway look. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I discovered how much he suffered from having to deny and hide his own ancestry.
Donald Trump is betting he can divide us with fear of “the other.” I’m betting it won’t work.
John Swan
Natick
