After listening to Sen. Barack Obama's recent speech regarding his former pastor, I couldn't help but to think about his remarks regarding the divisiveness between blacks and whites and the issue of slavery.

The senator stated that his wife could trace her bloodline all the way back to slaves, as if it were a badge of honor to be a descendant of slaves.

If anyone cared to check world history, the black race might be considered a Johnny-come-lately to the issue of slavery.

To put it into context, the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, English, Vikings, Aztecs and the like all made slaves out of those whom they conquered, which means that at one time or another most human beings on the face of this Earth can trace their roots back to ancestors who were enslaved.

The modern black race doesn't have a corner on the market of being descendants of slaves. People white, black, red, yellow and brown have been subjected to the atrocities committed by ignorant and abhorrent men who would enslave humanity.

In my humble opinion, I think Obama, as well as his pastor, should understand that their race isn't alone when you look at the historical world picture as a whole.

Gregory J. Topliff, Warrenville, S.C.