Time to Speak Out Against Prop. 187

* Regarding “Life After 187,” Oct. 15, in which you interviewed Vladimir Cerna.

Cerna is more American than most Americans. America was founded and preserved by those who had the courage to stand in the face of grave opposition--by those who had a vision of sacrifice for the greater good. Only the purely ignorant would rebuke Cerna as non-American.

I was a teacher in a largely Latino school when the vote on Proposition 187 was reported. I know the fear it bestows on the Latino community. I know the silence that it commands.

Proposition 187 is wrong; it is a call for courage on the part of those who understand this. It is a call to combat the inarticulate mumbling and wicked finger-pointing of political manipulation. It is a call for voices such as Cerna’s.

ANTHONY D. ZINNANTI

Canoga Park