Lately, I received a number of e-mails that are anti the democratic candidate for president. At this point, I should mention that I'm a registered Republican. I've been voting since I was first able to do so in 1978. Also, I am proud to say in those years I've never missed a vote as I feel we owe that to those veterans who have served and especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. In all those years, I've voted a straight ticket only once.

But some must automatically assume that my votes always go the way of my party. What is especially disturbing to me is how these e-mails are filled with statements that aren't true and the racial overtones attached to them. Equally upsetting is how many of these e-mails have come from "church-going people."

I am happy to count among my friends, people of different nationalities and colors of skin. My life is richer because of it. Miss Keyser taught me a song in Sunday school 40-plus years ago that I've tried to live my life by. The words state: "Red and yellow , black and white, they are precious in his sight." How sad that others haven't been taught this song or at least don't understood the actual meaning of the words.

How my vote is cast this fall is still up in the air but it certainly won't be dictated by the color of any candidate's skin.

Doug Walter,

Northumberland