This was my first posting on this web and I would like to comment on this Marion Anderson situation, since it was brought up by someone who has a problem with the DAR because of it. Although it had nothing to do with my posting, this is the scoop -- in defense of the DAR who does much and always has, for our great United States of America and it's citizens in the areas of education, preserving history and patriotism ... Marion Anderson wanted to sing at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC owned and operated by the DAR, for those who don't know. For at least 40+ years, many graduations were held by the area high schools at this facility because there was no larger place in the Washington area, as told to me by cousins living there who graduated at Constitution Hall. The hall was booked on the evening that Anderson had asked to sing. The news media of the day reported that it was because she was black that she was not being allowed to sing there. This was before integration came in. The DAR offered her another date to sing there and she refused. The DAR took a bum rap for this situation. It was never a race issue, not even in the day when that seemed to be the norm. She declined the invitation. Yes, I believe too that "racism" is a subject that should be put to rest. The people running DAR are not even the same people who were running it in those days and our country was different. Hopefully we have changed for the good today and are continuing to be good Americans to everyone. I live in the south, so I know about racism and segregation. I have a good friend who is black also. The DAR, because it is a wonderful society, has graciously tried to correct this situation that it was unjustly blamed for and I think that speaks volumes. Now, let us get on with it and be proud that there are some organizations in the United States who are still working for patriotism, education and the preserving of American History. Yes, also my spell checker did pick up the word "heresy" instead of "heresay" and I'm glad someone noticed it. Thanks! I was distracted and missed the mistake but I'm glad someone here can spell too. Hope this helps. Have a great day and thanks to everyone who was kind and gave me suggestions concerning my posting and question. I'm very grateful for you. Susan Pena Texas