‘Affirmative Action’s Edge’
Having a member of my family in the fire department, I know firsthand how affirmative action has helped.
Without a doubt the L.A. Fire Department has made some strides in the hiring of Latinos, blacks and Asians. What a change from 10 years and when everyone was making fun of my relative because he spoke Spanish; now they are asking him to help them learn Spanish.
But who does Mr. Rojo kid when he makes remarks that downplay affirmative action’s influence in providing the opportunities necessary to move up? I know many people who work hard but were never provided the opportunity to move up. Maybe Del Olmo was right when he stated that we all like to believe that we make it on our own in life.
Del Olmo also mentioned the need for better service and understanding for our community. This was never more evident than earlier this month when my grandmother, who lives in Montebello, was awakened by emergency personnel who were trying to inform residents on her street to evacuate. One big problem--my grandmother speaks very little English! She was very scared and confused. Luckily, my mother lives next door. You would think that with the huge Latino population in East Los Angeles and Montebello that the emergency personnel would know the area and be better prepared for a crisis situation.
Better service? We need it! Affirmative action? Absolutely, positively yes! Role models like Joe Sanchez? Please!
SANDRA GUZMAN
La Verne
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