Walter Tucker

The comment on Rep. Walter R. Tucker III’s conviction (Dec. 9) by the pastor of Curry Temple CME in Compton, “The first thing we do is to look at the race issue,” demonstrates a major problem in Southern California. When the Rev. William R. Johnson Jr. and many who share his attitude start looking at innocence and guilt before looking at skin color, we’ll all be better off.

JAMES M. KALLIS

Los Angeles

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* Gee! Am I the only one fed up and disgusted by one more scapegoating excuse extolled by some African American community leaders when another African American is caught in the act of doing something illegal, in this case, taking $30,000 and failing to pay taxes. Instead of blaming the government, blaming the jury, and identifying racism as the primary problem, Tucker should show some backbone and take some personal responsibility. Don’t blame God for “allow[ing] this to happen.” Pleazzzze! The government, the jury and God did not physically force Tucker to reach out and take money.

In the meantime, as a citizen in the 37th Congressional District, I would like some representation in Washington.

V. C. BENNETT

Wilmington