Controversy Over Prop. 209

* George Skelton’s reaction to the anti-209 ad (“Anti-209 Ad Takes the Lowest Road,” Capitol Journal, Oct. 31) was spoken like a true ideologist. The fact is that David Duke is proud to be a racist and no doubt would have paid $4,000 for the opportunity to speak at Cal State Northridge. A saying has it that “you’re known by the company you keep.”

Support of 209, like it or not, puts one in the company of Duke, Patrick Buchanan and Newt Gingrich, three men without an apparent redeeming quality between them.

DAVID M. SHERR

Santa Monica

* Let’s get this straight. Using Martin Luther King to support an initiative designed to end race and sex discrimination is irresponsible. Using David Duke to oppose it is responsible. Am I missing something here?

JEFF BISHOP

Berkeley

* Thirty years ago students were arrested at demonstrations where they demanded an end to using race as a factor in employment and university admissions. On Oct. 23 students were arrested at a demonstration where they demanded we continue to use race as a factor in employment and university admissions. The irony would be funny--if it weren’t so sad.

TOM HARRISON

La Canada

* I am a 36-year-old African American who really does not understand the fuss over affirmative action. How many companies do you honestly believe follow that quota system? I am currently unemployed and have gone on many unsuccessful job interviews since April. I have approximately 17 years of office experience and I can’t even get a job as a file clerk. I really resent the comments of “unqualified” people getting jobs (or college admission) over the more “qualified” people.

As much as society will not outright say it, the objection to affirmative action is because of the race card and a fear (or threat) of being knocked to the curb because of it. Racism and discrimination still exist and always have existed regardless of affirmative action or even the 14th Amendment. There is no legislation that will completely stop it. When you look deep into the issue of affirmative action, who really benefits from it?

VALERIE FERGUSON

Santa Monica

* Concerning the Prop. 209 controversy, its critics claim that its proposed elimination of preferences based upon race, color, sex or national origin will endanger, and possibly, eliminate diversity in our public institutions. As it has been sadly proven throughout history and today in the Balkans, diversity does not guarantee tolerance. As our experience has shown, tolerance will promote and protect diversity.

PETER M. SMALL

Whittier