Your letters: Wausau City Council member offers apology

Dear residents of the greater Wausau community,

“Do not show disrespect toward that which you do not understand.”

This line jumped out at me from a movie I watched a few days ago, “Just Cause,” which held themes of racial injustice. I watched it following the November Wausau City Council meeting where I was justifiably, I realize, taken to task by persons whom I had disrespected. I realize the line applied to me.

While my words in 2003 were spoken in haste and out of frustration, I do not excuse them, for I disrespected people who struggle to build lives in Wausau for their families. This was not intended, but it does not take away their hurt.

I am sorry for my lack of compassion (and vision), and sincerely apologize for my mistake. Those who know me personally know that I usually “go higher” even under duress, and embrace people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. As a humble Christian woman, I make this public offering and seek your forgiveness. Thank you for listening, and for making me do better. I shall demonstrate higher behavior.

Linda Lawrence of Wausau