Obama and the Latino vote

Re “Hola, Obama,” editorial, Feb. 17

The Times’ egregious distortion of the candidates is astounding. Latinos justifiably harbor doubt about Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) presidential candidacy.

The problems with Obama are his promises and rhetoric. A community in dire need of improved healthcare, education and economic opportunities wants specifics.

By showing up, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) earned our support. Instead, The Times arrogantly dismisses her as a viable “Latino” candidate.

The Times editorial board has the right to endorse Obama. But unlike many newspapers, it appears that it is using its editorial page as ongoing unpaid political ads for his campaign.

The Obama campaign does not need further endorsements but rather greater scrutiny and fewer free passes.

Ernestina Osorio

Los Angeles

I am furious at your editorial. Your overriding argument is that Latinos supporting Clinton have not carefully and intelligently weighed their decision to vote for her over Obama.

And to add insult to injury, you inject racism as part of our decision. Our modern American history is replete with Latino support of African American politicians.

I am sick and tired of this country’s predominantly non-Latino media pundits and non-Latino leaders grossly assuming our decision to support Clinton is anything but carefully and intelligently weighed.

And I respectfully ask that you assess your own bigotry in how you report on the Latino vote.

Esteban Ramirez

Los Angeles

Latinos don’t “harbor doubts” about any candidate or candidacy. Clinton in this case is the known political commodity who supported NAFTA. It was Bill Clinton who opposed the anti-immigration stances of former Gov. Pete Wilson that pushed Hispanics into the Democratic Party.

Unfortunately, Latino and African American leaders see themselves competing for the mantle as the reliable minority vote for Democrats. That in itself is a losing proposition for any ethnic group in the long term.

The point of coming to the United States is to intertwine and become part of American life. That means learning English, becoming good citizens and moving upward economically through longevity and education.

Obama’s version of America is appealing to those who want to be Americans. His vision is a radical change to the politics of race and ethnicity that limits opportunity and upward mobility for those who practice it.

Nick Antonicello

Venice Beach