Agustin Gurza’s Hits and Misses

* In his May 6 column, Agustin Gurza is concerned about what the future holds for Latinas near retirement.

Gurza is concerned with the future of illegal immigrants who have worked for years illegally in the U.S.

Many of these illegal immigrants do not qualify for Social Security nor have they saved their money for their retirement.

In his column, Gurza interviews Beatriz Murphy. For the last 40 years, Murphy (who has yet to learn English or develop a skill) has worked at unskilled jobs and has been always paid in cash.

Thus she has never paid federal or state income tax, state disability insurance or Social Security.

Yet Gurza feels that U.S. taxpayers should provide for Murphy and women like her during their retirement years. I disagree.

Latinos in the U.S. are constantly reminding “lazy” Americans how they value God, family and country (Mexico). As such, I am confident that retired Latinos in the U.S. know that their large, extended families will be there to provide for them in their retirement years.

However, if this is not possible, these retired illegal immigrants can always return to Mexico and see what retirement benefits their beloved Mexico will provide to them.

Yes, being old, poor and illegal in the U.S. is a real hardship. Being old, poor and living in Mexico is an even worse hardship.

FRANCIS T. CONCANNON JR.

Irvine

* Re “For Latinos, a Need to Face Own Bigotry,” (May 16):

It is without a doubt the most disheartening trait we Latinos harbor within ourselves and our own culture.

You don’t have to go very far to see it. Just tune in to any of the popular “novelas,” courtesy of Televisa and others, to see what pop culture indoctrinates in the minds of many Latinos: 99% of the actors and actresses are light-skinned, blond and blue-eyed.

CESAR MADRID

Orange

* I read with interest Agustin Gurza’s April 29 column, on Orange County’s Cultural Competency office, part of the county Health Care Agency.

As a member of the board of directors of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Orange County and a member of the Orange County Mental Health Advisory Board, I hear about the concerns of those who receive treatment from us, as well as the frustrations and concerns of the caregivers.

I am made more aware constantly of the problems, challenges, efforts and successes of those who work for our Orange County Health Care Agency.

We need to remember that sensitivity is always an important matter in society, but particularly when dealing with illness.

PAULA A. FITZGERALD

Fountain Valley