Marches, goals of immigration activists

I live in South Los Angeles and rarely venture downtown, so I can’t speak for other parts of the city. But on Monday the bank here was open; the grocery store was open; the drive-thru at the fast food place was open; the gas station was open (but at those prices I wish it were closed); and my lawn was cut (children still have chores). All of my tenants paid their rent on time.

Day of absence? Maybe. But it’s chilling to stick your hands in a pail of water and, upon removing them, see how much you’re missed. Bad strategy? Certainly.

WESLEY PROFIT

Los Angeles

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As a patriotic American of white descent, I have two words for those opposed to the waves of immigrants from Latin America: new blood.

If the American way of life is in danger, it’s not from immigrants but from the implacable march of history. Every great civilization before ours has fallen. Who are we to think we’ll be different? Let’s prolong our tenure by embracing the people who want to come here and join the American family. They’ll be speaking English soon enough, too. Anyone who has Latino friends knows that within a generation the children speak English instead of Spanish. To compete here you’ve got to speak English.

They know that. It’s what they came for -- not to take anything from the rest of us but to find a better life.

JOHN C. RICHARDS

Los Angeles

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Theodore J. Smith III claims that the immigrant rights movement “is not a civil rights movement” (letters, April 28). He goes on to state: “The civil rights movement called for dignity and opportunity for all Americans.” But this is exactly what immigrant rights activists are calling for.

Smith also argues that “illegal immigration has lowered wages and pushed African Americans out of the building trades and service jobs that were our opportunity to have the American dream.” He forgets that these are the same kinds of arguments that were used against African Americans moving into the labor market; those arguments were also used against waves of Irish, Italian and other immigrants. We have gained from all of these people joining the workforce, and we will benefit from respecting the rights and dignity of those who come to this country seeking a better life.

DAVID HOLLAND

Northridge

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Re “Bush Asks Immigrants to Reject Work Boycotts,” April 29

A boycott can be likened to a strike, which is generally considered a legal way of negotiating when necessary -- a way of balancing power to make the playing field as level as possible. To be against boycotts as a matter of principle seems to be at odds with our established system based on the balance of power.

HENRY WILDER FOOTE

Aliso Viejo