Stuart Murder in Boston and Racism in U.S.

I was thrilled to read the account in the Jan. 14 issue (View) describing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in winning victory after victory for black people and the Constitution over the forces of hate and bigotry. All Americans should be proud of the work that Marshall has done to make this a freer and more democratic country.

Then I read Jackson’s column. I am saddened at what the fight against racism has degenerated into. Currently, an epidemic of drug use is threatening black Americans as white racists never could. Does Jackson urge greater action to combat the scourge of drugs? He does not. 167772161 Instead, he sticks his head in the sand and says that drug addiction is primarily a white problem, and calls for less effort to combat drugs in the black community.

Jackson is doing an extreme disservice to his own people. Were a white person to advocate lessening protection of black people from drugs, he or she would be denounced as a racist. Perhaps Jackson is afraid of encouraging prejudice if he acknowledges the extent of the damage that drugs have made on the black community.

I urge Jackson to support vigorous action to combat drugs and crime in all of America. By opposing efforts in the black community to combat drugs, Jackson is giving aid and comfort to those who would destroy the black community.

ROBERT E. PARK

Los Angeles