Julio Cano’s Death

* Re “Boy Whose Parents Feared Deportation Had Leukemia,” Nov. 24:

As a legal, naturalized citizen and Hispanic mother of two children, I find it appalling that opponents of Proposition 187 would use Julio Cano’s tragic death to accentuate the racial tensions associated with the ongoing debate on the issue’s fairness and legality.

The real tragedy of Julio Cano’s death is not his family’s fear of being deported. Rather, it seems his parents were willing to compromise their child’s health and safety in order to remain illegally in the United States. Julio Cano appears to have died because of his family’s blatant neglect and/or ignorance.

When does blaming circumstances end, and taking proper parental responsibility begin?

KARINA EAST

Ventura

* The death of Julio Cano shows the plight of all people who have limited access to health care. Of course, anyone can be treated for emergencies. The problem that goes over the heads of (proponents of Proposition 187) is one that all poor parents face. How do you tell when a real emergency exists?

Twenty years ago, I had two children and no health insurance. I can still feel the tension. A trip to the family physician or the emergency room took food off the table. At a time when some of us think we need health care for everyone, our “leaders” are willing to let children die and blame it on their parents.

Such thinking will not improve the health of California. It is rather a symptom of sickness of our collective soul.

JEANETTE ARNQUIST

Hemet