Prop. 187 Message

* Regarding the Nov. 13 commentary by Frank del Olmo, the message sent by voters through the passage of Proposition 187 is this: People who are in this country illegally, whether they are from Mexico, Canada, England, etc., should not be entitled to free social services and benefits other than emergency medical care. This message has been purposely portrayed as anti-Latino and anti-immigrant by demagogues seeking to increase their political power. Fortunately, there were Californians of Latino heritage who rejected this dishonest characterization and voted for the measure.

I would like to say to Del Olmo that assimilation into American culture is absolutely crucial to preserving the unity of our country and should be expected of all who choose to live in the United States. It is not, as you seem to believe, mutually exclusive with taking pride in one’s heritage, but it does require identification of oneself as an American to come first.

I hope, for the sake of this country, future commentaries by Del Olmo will emphasize this and not the divisiveness of multiculturalism you appear to champion.

LORI NORRIS

Costa Mesa