Only One Latino Voice

Re “Media Is Blind to Latinos Among Us” (May 10): The media, electronic or printed, must first and foremost concern itself with fiscal integrity--in other words ratings, which produce advertising dollars. End result: We find a competitive L.A. media immured in an insipid, exploitationist system that is drawn to stories of violent crime, corruption, celebrity gossip and militant civil unrest.

The media is neither friend nor foe. It is merely a tool at one’s disposal. Which brings us to the greater enigma: Latino leadership--an oxymoron.

Perhaps the media would have covered the Latino point of view, if there had been one. During the time of ’92 civil rebellion, there was one Latino voice, but it was the voice of an actor, Edward James Olmos.

Why was it that Olmos had to step forward? Where were the Latino elected officials? Yes, they spoke a few words, asking for calm and reason, but leadership requires more than cursory words of obedience.

The deep-rooted respect for authority that is ingrained within the Latino community may be the problem. And aside from that it is pretty obvious that Latinos straddle the minority fence, never wishing to offend anyone--hoping someday to be allowed into mainstream America.

Latinos cannot be seen if they do not want to be. They will not be heard if they do not wish to be.

RICK LOPEZ

Sylmar