No-Weapons Policy

In “Zero-Tolerance: Fueled by Bad Behavior or Racism?” (Commentary, Oct. 24) Earl Ofari Hutchinson points to a statistical disparity between expulsions of white and black students. He questions if the policies are being used to “overly punish black and Latino students because of racial fears.”

Students should not bring weapons to school, regardless of race, sex, religion or any other factor. If a white student brings a gun to class and is not subject to the zero-tolerance rule, address that case and hold the school management accountable. Likewise, if a minority student who doesn’t violate the policy is improperly expelled, reinstate the student and punish the offending faculty member.

To deal in generalities is in itself one of the greatest racist acts committed and tolerated in today’s society. It promotes division between groups and fuels hatreds between individuals. It’s also a cheap way to avoid dealing with the real problems at hand.

ERIC KUYPER

Long Beach

Political ‘Duopoly’

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I am tired of all the Bush/Gore political coverage, as though either candidate is offering voters a choice. Many, many people across the country feel choosing between the two main candidates is a choice of “the lesser of two evils.” There is no justification for your perpetuating the myth that the current duopoly system represents democracy in action, because it doesn’t. Without inclusion of third-party candidacies and the issues they raise, there is no debate, only prepared speeches and propaganda.

When are you going to provide a real alternative? If you took a few moments to listen to presidential candidate John Hagelin of the Natural Law Party, you would quickly understand my point.

JAN R. SHAW

San Clemente