Powell’s Decision on Racism Conference

Contrary to James Pinkerton’s argument, Secretary of State Colin Powell made the right decision not to attend the U.N. conference against racism in Durban, South Africa (“Powell Misses a Chance to Rise Above ‘Isms,’ ” Commentary, Aug. 28).

Although the conference should have been an opportunity for the international community to examine effective mechanisms to combat racism and promote understanding of this important global problem, it was hijacked and turned into a conference of hate and exclusion.

Powell should be commended for sending a clear message that the United States will not legitimize the attempts to resurrect unfounded anti-Israel and anti-Jewish canards at the conference. His presence in Durban would only confer legitimacy on the anti-Semitic rhetoric that threatens to derail an otherwise laudable effort to fight global racism.

Joyce Greenspan

Orange County/Long Beach

Regional Director

Anti-Defamation League

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In spite of tidings from Pinkerton, racism is alive and well in America. The rosy glow this writer gives to the situation is false. The income of African Americans is, on average, significantly lower than that of whites. Pinkerton neglected this small piece of the puzzle.

His feel-good column is only that: a means to assuage readers’ feelings and to twist around the truth.

Diane Forve

Los Angeles