Moratorium March

Regarding “Marking a Pivotal Day in Chicano Activism,” Aug. 27: While I was then, and still am, saddened by the death of Ruben Salazar, this recent demonstration, supposedly in his memory, is laden with issues I find misdirecting. The National Chicano Moratorium committee alluded to their opposition to recent voter approval of Prop. 187, and other public policy actions, including a reduction in school funding, suggesting that these actions are an attack on all “Latinos.”

Had they bothered to check and read Gov. Pete Wilson’s budget they would have noted that the governor’s budget included a noticeable funding increase for public education. Public counteraction to the committee’s themes is not an attack on “Latinos.” The public’s adverse reaction is a representation of frustration about those that are abusing bilingual education, affirmative action and public health benefits.

As a twice-wounded infantry Vietnam veteran (‘67-’68), the negative overtones and the displaying of the Mexican flag are profoundly offensive to me. References to Yankee imperialism and white supremacy, to say the least, are ill-advised. In all candor, it is out of the mainstream Chicano intellect. Note the absence of Chicano elected officials at the event. My cultural roots require me to remain sensitive to the spirit of the committee’s cause, but employing misleading omnibus themes and invoking questionable rhetoric will require me to develop a “three strikes and you lost me” attitude.

TOMAS ALVARADO

San Gabriel