EDITOR,

I would like to address recent letters published in the Sun Post from Robert Blanch regarding the sordid past of the Democratic Party.  Congratulations Mr. Blanch.  

In an era when people are sick of negativity and want the country to come together, you’re still trying to drive a wedge between Republicans and Democrats.  Of course, Democrats practiced political expediency prior to the civil rights movement to keep the white vote.  That’s a known fact.  But that doesn’t excuse your “swift boating” Harry Truman.  Remember, he grew up in a segregated state where slave ownership was common.  In spite of this, however, Truman’s own life experiences changed his attitudes toward others.  And, yes, he attended one meeting of the KKK, told them off, and submitted his resignation.  From then on, he opposed the Klan’s agenda.  

When Truman ran for his first office in Missouri, the Klan tried everything to keep him from being elected — unsuccessfully.  Ultimately, during his presidency, Truman would desegregate the Armed Forces and appoint judges to the Supreme Court who would end the “separate-but-equal” doctrine that led to integration.  Not a bad record.  
And here are some interesting facts for you.  During their hey-day, the Klan boasted to having helped elect 16 men to the U.S. Senate (9 Republicans, 7 Democrats) and 11 governors (6 Republicans, 5 Democrats).  

— Victoria Markarian, Manteca, Feb. 16, 2008