Blunt Memos to Yaroslavsky

While these memos were ostensibly designed to advise Yaroslavsky on strategy for his bid for mayor, the attitude and language used harbors a much deeper meaning.

To say that these characterizations of Mayor Bradley and the black community as a whole were racist, bigoted, and small-minded would be an understatement.

What is most disturbing, however, is that these racist remarks come from a consulting firm long noted for advising Democratic candidates, the so-called “liberal” and progressive party.

I fought long and hard against segregation “Colored Only” signs and riding in the back of the bus. Then I knew and could confront the enemy; racists were very open. But to mask age-old racist views behind the guise of liberal politics is disgusting.

Only because of media exposure did Yaroslavsky sever ties with the firm he has long been associated with. This is a classic case of too little, too late. Wake up and smell the coffee, Yaroslavsky, Berman and D’Agostino--we have your number, and we have very long memories.

WILLIS EDWARDS

President

Beverly Hills/Hollywood

NAACP