Hate Crimes

While we are celebrating the multicultural diversity of Los Angeles, we are also witnessing a rise in hate crimes and all the tensions that arise from them. One of the reasons is the atmosphere created by the Reagan years: The lust for greed and power makes people think more for themselves and less for their fellow humans. In addition, the attitude was fostered that it was OK to say what was on your mind when it came to minorities.

Add to this the very real economic tensions of today and you’ve got a boiling pot of emotions where everyone is looking for a scapegoat. We spend too much time these days arguing over who is more discriminated against and oppressed.

Economic and political equity does not come at the expense of others. We need courageous leadership that calls us all to attention. That would help this nation identify the common problems (no matter who you are, trust me, you have much more in common with your neighbor than you might care to admit) and then debate the common options.

ANTONIO PEDRO RUIZ, San Pedro