And in the former Soviet Union, there was fertile soil for such prejudice. . . And we all know how well Jews have traditionally fared in the Workers' Paradise. These animosities were never confronted or examined in the public arena, and not just because the Soviet state was anxious to maintain the facade of ethnic harmony. It helped to cultivate such attitudes, just as it did anti-Semitism. The Communist regime needed scapegoats . . .
Race is a uniquely painful problem in America.
But this country has also done more than any other to confront and combat prejudice. Dr. Alvin Poussaint cited polls in which most whites agree that racism still exists. We need to continue repairing the racial rifts. But Mrs. Cosby's divisive rhetoric can only have the opposite effect. Far from being embarrassed by this report, I remain proud.