Ire Over Fuentes’ Umberg Criticism

* Regarding the report of Tom Fuentes’ way-off-the-scale nastiness (Newswatch, Oct. 21) responding to a note of congratulations (from Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove)) on the birth of his son: And I thought his specialty was hiring bogus security guards to intimidate registered voters!

One can’t help but be dubious when Fuentes makes it into an opportunity to criticize his well-wisher’s stance on a woman’s legal right to an abortion, even if that well-wisher, a man with children of his own, happens to be of the wrong political persuasion. Apparently, only anti-abortion zealots have the right to publicly rejoice in the wonder of a baby. Those who choose to have children, I guess, should temper their joy? With shame, perhaps? I think not.

Fuentes’ comments point up the massive intolerance--bordering on fascism--endemic in the neo-Republican Weltanschauung. In the elite neo-GOP world, we see the sacred duty of loving and supporting and defending the rights of children is not as important as broadcasting the party line. Family values, my eye! There is shame to be spread around, all right, but I don’t think Tom Umberg and his family are party to any of it.

PRISCILLA MAYFIELD

Orange