‘Hot-blooded’ on both sides of debate

Re: “Governor Apologizes for Ethnic Comments,” Sept. 9

I’ve had the opportunity to work, meet and converse with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on a few occasions, and I can certainly verify that he is a gracious, compassionate, considerate and sensitive person who does not judge you by the color of your skin or the language you speak. As a co-founder of a successful Latino chamber of commerce and a passionate, “hotblooded” Latino, I had to come to the governor’s defense at such an unfair attack on his character. It is very disheartening and disappointing to see the media, gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides and other opportunists use this nonissue as a way to discredit Schwarzenegger. As Latinos, we are not victims by nature, so we should not perceive ourselves as such. What the governor said does not victimize anyone.

ISAAC BARCELONA

Palmdale

*

Unlike Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City), I was very offended by Schwarzenegger’s characterization of the Latina lawmaker. Sadly, I have come to accept Schwarzenegger’s insensitive, racist, sexist and completely ignorant comments. I was more disappointed by Garcia’s lack of dignity and self-respect. Worse yet was her justification and flawed reasoning for not requesting an apology from the governor.

As an elected official, Garcia stands not for herself but for those she represents and for future generations of young women. As an uncle of two nieces, I believe they deserve an apology -- not only from Schwarzenegger but from Garcia and the governor’s chief of staff, Susan Kennedy. I don’t believe a woman (Latina or not) needs to be “hot-blooded” to be heard and respected.

MARIO CEBALLOS

Los Angeles

*

If an elected official anywhere else in the country had said someone had “black blood,” that official would have been run out of town on a rail. Are the people of California so star struck that this kind of remark by a public official is tolerated? I wonder what the reaction would have been if Schwarzenegger talked about “Jewish blood.”

CLINTON WARD

St. Louis