For Shame
What a travesty! It is difficult to realize that our governor who prides himself on being such a humanitarian is actually so insensitive. I am referring to the fact that an Armenian and a Russian comic were chosen to represent California at the citizenship swearing-in ceremonies to take place during the Statue of Liberty festivities on the Fourth of July.
Contrast the number of Russians or Armenians who reside here with the number of Asians and Hispanics in our state’s population. The action is a slap in the face to all these fine people who have contributed so much to the development of the state of California. In plain language, it is a blatant demonstration of institutionalized racism.
Adding insult to injury was having Harold Ezell, regional INS commissioner, introducing these individuals on prime-time television. Here is an individual who is anathema to the Hispanic community being featured as a spokesman for the travesty. Talk about compounding a gross blunder.
It is undoubtedly too late to reverse this travesty which is quite likely why the governor waited until virtually the last minute to disclose his nominees. Although I am a lifelong Republican, I can’t help but wonder how Tom Bradley would have handled the situation. Can anyone imagine him appointing a Russian to represent California rather than a descendant of the people who discovered and settled our state?
For shame, governor, for shame!
RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ
Long Beach
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
