Smith-Carlos Gesture Remains Controversial

When John Carlos and Tommie Smith gave the black power salute, they forgot something -- to extend the middle finger. That’s what they were really saying.

If they had such strong feelings about the country they were representing, why did they bother to compete? They did it because they wanted the glory. It’s called having your cake and eating it too. It can’t be done. It was an insult to the flag and the censure that resulted was richly deserved.

The passage of time should not obscure the slander of the act and those in the administration of San Jose State, by planning a monument to these men, need their heads examined.

Jack Spiegelman

Los Angeles

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The fawning article in your newspaper on the statue depicting the 1968 protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos is both ahistoric and unbalanced.

The photo of Smith and Carlos is one of the defining images of that tumultuous decade, but it was certainly not a heroic act worthy of commemorating at one of our public institutions. These men committed this act to embarrass their country and to express “solidarity” with the rioters destroying minority neighborhoods in the United States.

While we are used to the L.A. Times writing news stories as editorials, and for academics such as Harry Edwards to be completely disconnected from reality, it is sad that students at San Jose State will be forced to look at this disgraceful statue without some balanced counterstatement to provide context to that event. Perhaps we could make a statue of George Foreman at that same Olympics celebrating the greatness of the USA after he won gold. I am certain the folks at San Jose State would love that.

Dr. Randal Beeman

Professor of History,

Bakersfield College

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It is refreshing to read about San Jose State building a statue in honor of Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Their courageous protest is an act that should inspire.

Unfortunately, there are very few athletes today who will stand up against injustice. Who will speak up against corporations whose influence is ruining both society and the sports world? Who will protest when war propaganda continues to infiltrate sporting events while people in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer because of U.S. war crimes? Athletes need to step up and follow the example of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, even if they risk losing huge endorsement deals and their popularity.

Randy Dinin

Tucson

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Tommie Smith and John Carlos, with their black gloved fists raised, made a statement on the victory stand at the 1968 Olympics. The second-place finisher was also making a statement. He was standing at attention and showing respect for our national anthem. His statement, although not noticed or appreciated, is what the Olympic spirit is all about.

Robert H. Williams

Monterey Park