No tolerance for diversity (5/15/03)

I am writing this in regard to the extreme ignorance of some of the members of our community — so-called “Christians” who have no tolerance of diversity.

I am referring to a couple of local landlords that refuse to rent to people of Mexican descent.

These men are relocating from Grand Rapids, Mich., and have been living in a hotel for the past three weeks.

All they are asking for is a place to rent Monday through Friday, as they go home every weekend. They are hard-working, good men. I would not hesitate to rent to them if I had the means to do so.

So far, we have looked at two different places in Portland, and both times they were treated so badly it broke my heart.

Comments such as “Well, I am a good Christian man and I don’t tolerate drinking and smoking and those such things, and do “they” speak English?”

These statements were made right in front of them. It was embarrassing to me as a Christian.

There was nothing Christian in this man’s tone or attitude towards these man.

Another landlord in town was carrying the same attitude when we were told that he would not rent to Mexicans because “they will bring all their families,” and he couldn’t have that.

Neither of these people knows these men, or wish to. All I can say is shame on you, you hypocrites. I don’t see how this behavior was at all that of a Christian person. As the children’s Sunday School song states, “Red, brown, yellow, black or white, we are precious in His sight.”

To the two men I am referring to, think about that one the next time you tell someone how Christian you are.

Regards,

Dawn Dressel

Portland

[[In-content Ad]]