To the editor: Columnist George Skelton argues that the interruption of Senator Alex Padilla of the press conference of the National Secretary of National Security Kristi Noem was not the time or place to hold this administration responsible for its immigration policies (“Padilla was right to challenge Noem's madness.” June 16).
For decades, we have witnessed the cruel assault on the application of immigration in our communities. So when exactly is the time or place?
I grew up with Padilla in the San Fernando de los Ángeles Valley. I have witnessed its fair struggle for the rights of immigrants, and has served as an inspiration for my own civic and philanthropic efforts.
No person, much less a senator of the United States, must be silenced by wanting to ask his government to do it better. We must not hesitate in our call to justice for our immigrant communities at this precarious moment.
Jorge Quezada, Los Angeles
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To the editor: The next time Governor Gavin Newsom is in Los Angeles giving a press conference, columnist Anita Chabria should behave exactly as Padilla did (Padilla (“Alex Padilla's gas lighting is already in full swing on the right.” June 13). He should be dressed casually without visible press credentials, enter without invitation, then start walking towards the podium at a fast pace while shouting that he has a question for the governor. When initially blocks security personnel, you must continue advancing.
She can write her next column on the reaction of the Newsom bodyguards, which, predict, will reflect that of Noem's people.
At a time when political polarization is outside the lists and our legislators and leaders are being shot and executed, you can barely fail the police for being cautious and proactive. There is a correct way and an incorrect way of approaching a public figure, and Padilla was ashamed of himself and California choosing the latter.
Glenn Toth, Playa del Rey
