Prop. 187 Cartoon

* The political cartoon by Ted Rall (Commentary, Nov. 16), labeled “California Penal Code,” was derisive, untrue, inflammatory and racist. The actions of the German state in the ‘30s and ‘40s were against a segment of their population who were citizens of that nation! The actions were torture and extermination! To compare that era with a legitimate angst resulting in an attempt to control expenditures which are bankrupting our state is mean-spirited and disgusting! This issue--Prop. 187--addressed a problem created by illegal immigrants of any color, creed, religion or ethnic group. There are legitimate arguments pro and con, but this type of attack is below contempt.

SAUL H. SANDERS

Palos Verdes Estates

* The cartoon showing a section of the infamous Nuremberg laws with the word “Jew” replaced by “immigrant” was right on target. Prop. 187 was the closest thing the world has seen to Nuremberg laws since 1939.

I only hope that legal challenges will result in nullification of this unwise and downright evil measure before we slide down the slippery path of Hitlerian Germany. It was easy then, as it is now, for a goat to be chosen as the focus for all our troubles. The problem with “goatism” is that it is so easy to change the object of our scorn. In the past the goat was the Jews (and Gypsies, trade unionists, communists and homosexuals) who, when the dust cleared, numbered more than 10 million as victims.

Beware, my beloved state! Speak out now about those who would blame an entire group for societal problems.

SHERRI LIPMAN

Fullerton