Cancellation of Sumitomo Pact

In the current tumult about the contract with Sumitomo, I see a red flag that needs to be raised. There seems to be a “bash Japan” mood afoot (whether or not it is perceived to be deserved) that scares me.

What is alarming is the racist/ethnic/only-mine-is-the-best attitude I am hearing. I feel that the underlying motivation could well be based in the economic mess, which we all are experiencing. It is well-documented in history that, whenever times are particularly difficult, we seem to look for a “scapegoat.”

We should look for reasons for our economic crisis and we should take it upon ourselves to fix or change what it requires. We must not fall into the easy trap of scapegoating! It is far too dangerous, as history amply teaches us.

David Duke and his ilk love scapegoating; I know we are better than that!

SHERRI LIPMAN

Fullerton