Arguable Effects of Prop. 209

In the past few weeks we have seen the U.S. Army involved in a major sexual-abuse scandal. In Santa Monica, we have seen a federal judge rule that police officers routinely harass and discriminate against young black male motorists. We have also seen the Chevron Oil Co. settle a sexual discrimination suit for not promoting female employees; and we have seen an Asian student at UC Irvine receive physical threats and have hate speech left on his answering machine.

In addition, we have seen a major political party and a sorry loser (Rep. Robert K. Dornan, R-Garden Grove) question the validity of a people’s citizenship and voting rights based on a people’s skin color and surnames. Lastly, we have seen the Texaco discrimination fiasco.

Yet, oddly enough, the self-anointed champions of social equality, justice and civil rights who piously promoted Proposition 209--especially Gov. Pete Wilson, UC Regent Ward Connerly and the faction that promoted itself as the “angry white guys”--have remained silent about the aforementioned discrimination issues.

It’s too bad these concerned, caring champions of compassion don’t understand that without the conviction of a society, a law on paper is not a law at all.

My suggestion: mandatory minimums. If you discriminate, you serve seven years in the state pen without the possibility of parole. Remember, tough crimes always demand tough prison sentences.

ART HERNANDEZ

Placentia

* On Oct. 31, a letter from a student at Dorsey High School who was against Proposition 209 said that affirmative action hadn’t worked well enough and we must keep it until things change.

I attend Ocean View High School. I looked forward to the possibility of attending a four-year university. I don’t believe that universities should have to fulfill quotas. Affirmative action hasn’t worked well yet and never will, so why burden universities and other establishments with quotas?

Proposition 209 is a good idea. Quotas contribute to racist ideas and favoritism. Quotas make employers and college deans look at the color of people’s skin and their religion. Proposition 209 will make things colorblind once again.

CHRIS SAVAGE

Huntington Beach