The need for a commission to investigate racial, ethnic and cultural conflict has been demonstrated. It is a justified need. Attacks on human rights have occurred in San Diego County indicating that there are faltering relationships: gang warfare, cross burnings, advocacy of white supremacy, bombings, shootings have all taken place.
There is indeed, "a whole list of problems in the community," and Supervisor Leon Williams is correct that "there needs to be some official effort on the part of the government to create an atmosphere where there is less tension between groups." (The Times, Jan. 27). Only an organized effort on the part of the government will be effective in halting the growing number of assaults on our freedom as citizens.
We all deserve to live in such an atmosphere and with an understanding that differences do not threaten security; intolerance does. The list of abuses born of intolerance is as long as the list of American tastes, beliefs, cultures and life styles. Our schooling and our parents taught that the tapestry of this country is glorious because of the variety of the threads that bind us.
Unfortunately, there have always been individuals among us who are threatened by and uncomfortable with variety, nonconformity and differences. Blaming others for their discomfort, lack of success and instability, they resort to violent expressions of their bigotry in an attempt to homogenize the world.
