Persistence of Racism

Your editorial, “The Danger of Seeing No Evil” (April 17), reminds me of an incident in which I was involved.

One day I naively strolled into a neighborhood in one of the so-called “least desirable sections” with the intention of visiting a friend who was ill.

While I did not know it then, that area had been targeted for concentrated police representation on account of heavy drug dealing. It was not long before I was stopped by two police officers, one of whom crudely persisted in insisting that my name was Jose--since he apparently believed that all Mexicans bear that name.

I wrote a letter to the Police Department complaining about the incident. I must give credit to Police Chief Bill Kolender for rapidly replying to my concerns. But the incident left me with an uncomfortable sensation that this type of behavior is by no means uncommon.

I applaud the community’s concern about the dangers of drug abuse and the destruction of our youth. I also applaud the dedicated service that our law enforcement personnel bring to this battle. But please don’t tell me to forget this country’s horrible past in terms of racial problems. I know that the hydra is still here, and that it is as dangerous and evil as violent crime and drug abuse.

RAMON OCEGUERA

San Diego