To Solve the Problems That Fueled Riots, a Bit of Magic Would Help

When I first read the letter from Jeff Grant of Costa Mesa (May 23), I was tempted to write him off as merely another racist who refuses to see the obvious. He criticizes Magic Johnson for wanting to help his people and the United Negro College Fund for being biased.

I have to admit it is possible that Jeff is simply uninformed as to the plight of the African-American. In any event, he totally misses the point.

If you have two rose bushes, one healthy and the other undernourished, is it not logical to give the undernourished rose bush a little extra attention and nourishment so that both bushes blossom? According to Jeff, the healthy bush should continue to receive nourishment and the other one left to wither and die.

I was moved to write this letter because understanding a problem is the first step in solving it.

ALAN L. QUINN

Santa Monica