I am writing in response to the "How can blacks believe signs against racism?" letter in Friday's edition(April 11) of The Pantagraph. As an airport employee and citizen of Bloomington-Normal, I would like to note a few things.

I'd like to know where these $8.50 an hour wages are, because I work for minimum wage, as do many of my coworkers.

Many, if not most, of airport employees are working behind the scenes with baggage, fueling, etc. Just because someone is not seen does not mean they are not there.

The United States economy is in a recession. Most places are not hiring. The unemployment rates in Illinois are at an all-time high since October 2005. Why waste your time and the employers with an application when there is no job opening to be filled?

According to the 2000 census, Bloomington is 84.92 percent white and 8.64 percent black. Normal is 87.57 white and 7.71 percent black. Basic math tells us that it makes sense that there is a higher ratio of white employees at the airport than black.

In summary, I was offended at the absurdity of Mr. Helm's letter. Looking around the airport provides no evidence and no viewpoint except his own.Perhaps in his stroll he missed one of the many African-American employees that I see with every shift I work. He obviously did not do his homework or research the situation. Perhaps next time he should look before he leaps, and not be so hasty to judge.

Teressa Little

Normal

Do you agree?