MAILBAG:

It is impossible for me to contain my rage and disgust any longer about behavior that brings shame to all Angelenos. Until Chad Michael Morrisette faced an inquiry from the U.S. Secret Service and a great deal of unwanted attention did he remove what he described with a straight face as an innocent Halloween display no different than a Christmas crèche. The two figures in his display were instantly recognizable: Sarah Palin hanging by the neck; John McCain being burned alive.

The absence of rage from the media and the public was deafening. The undeniably obvious denied. The lies swallowed whole.

Both were the antithesis of what the response would have been in a nanosecond to the lynching of a figure of Barack Obama.

The absence of public rage to the sight of two white Christians is an example of what must be understood as the ubiquitous acceptance, the obvious double standard of discrimination and of reverse racism.

Shame on the media. Shame on us.

Dr. R Claire Friend

Newport Beach

 

Election loss is not the end of the world

To all those citizens and non-citizens who are feeling the blues because your side did not win — feel down? A little depressed? I was thinking a little quote or two (yes, I know thinking is dangerous) was in order from citizens who knew a lot more about law and politics than I will ever know.

“Thank you for our time, Mr. President. Regardless of the politics of this past election, all Americans wish you good health, wisdom and fortitude as you guide our fragile experiment in democracy forward for the next four years. And if you ever feel that there is anything I can do to help you in this effort, you can always count on me.�

Oct. 26, 2008

“If your side lost don’t take it too much to heart. Remember there is always this difference between us and Italy. Mussolini runs the country. Here the country runs the president.�

Nov. 9, 1932

August Lightfoot

Newport Beach