President Bush on the Rioting

And now onto the theater of the absurd struts President Bush. His patronizing “stroll” through riot-torn Los Angeles was a cruel slap in the face to a minority urban population largely ignored by Republican administrations for the past 12 years (May 7-9). I did not see a leader trying to draw together a community; I saw a hypocrite in search of an election-year photo opportunity.

I live far away from where the riots took place, and I’m filled with anger and disgust. I can only imagine how the people of South-Central feel. Bush calls for a “time of healing.” What bitter words. Where was George when the inner cities cried for help, only to have their pleas fall on deaf ears? I can’t condone the violence and destruction, but seeing Bush laughingly shake hands with a Los Angeles Police Department officer on the front page (May 8) helps me understand the deep frustration and alienation minority groups feel. America, apparently, isn’t for all Americans anymore.

THOMAS VASICH

Newport Beach