He Beat the Odds, but Did He Really Need Affirmative Action?

We who grew up in the barrio were confronted with many social and psychological obstacles, but somehow a few of us--very few--made it out (“King of the Hill,” by Jenifer Warren, Aug. 2). And we did so by sheer luck, coupled with perseverance, intelligence and heavenly guidance. But for each one of us who emerges to lead a productive life--I am an educator and musician--scores of us do not. Many of my gifted and intelligent friends, neighbors, playmates and schoolmates fell by the wayside.

So when I see a man such as Antonio Villaraigosa hurdle one obstacle after another to become speaker of the California Assembly, it makes me proud, both for him and for us. And it’s redeeming for barrio youth to know, through his example, that anyone can aspire to greatness--and that one can get into trouble with the law and surmount even that.

Villaraigosa admits to all his mistakes and still comes out on top. He is an inspirational leader from a community often lacking such leadership, one who continues to be a voice for those who come from oppressed conditions.

Mario Flores

Whittier

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Warren’s article was a breath of fresh air. Too often we conclude that the human spirit is embittered by hardship and pain to such an extent that the creation of violent criminals can be the only result. But Villaraigosa’s story proves that individuals can and do beat the odds.

Clarence E. D. Santos

Adelanto

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So Villaraigosa says he’d be stealing hubcaps if it weren’t for affirmative action. Well now Proposition 209 is the law of the state, and affirmative action is out. Does that mean that the young people who post substandard grades won’t be getting into the University of California at Berkeley--and as a result we’ll be facing an epidemic of hubcap thefts?

Villaraigosa made statements that could be considered demeaning to the many minorities who have in the past--and will in the future--make successes of themselves without the type of help offered by affirmative action.

Donald Fraser

Toluca Lake