Racism

* James Lafferty in “Racial Justice” (Platform, Commentary, Dec. 9) complains bitterly about anti-black racism in every aspect of Damian Williams’ trial. He seems to be forgetting that the crimes committed by Williams were vicious racist hate crimes committed against totally innocent non-blacks. Williams, a habitual criminal and a racist, got away with an extremely lenient verdict, most likely due to the bias toward him by the black jury forewoman Carolyn Walters, who publicly expressed her views (Dec. 8), and by other black jurors.

Apparently, according to the likes of Lafferty, it is perfectly OK to be a racist as long as one is black.

MARCEL GAWARTIN

Los Angeles

* Lafferty’s use of the word racism four times in one sentence illustrates how our language is being debased by verbal overkill. Expanding the definition of a word--racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.--to include everything makes it mean nothing.

Another example is the way some feminists irresponsibly throw around such terms as “date rape,” “spousal rape,” “statutory rape” and “psychological rape” until nearly every sex act can be viewed as rape.

If this trend continues, English will eventually be reduced to senseless gibberish.

BILL STARR

Burbank