Photograph by Steve Simpson

Bennett Peji’s daughters are Mexipinos, the product of a mother born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and a father who immigrated with his family from Manila.

Can’t we all just get along?

Your article in the June 6 edition of the San Diego Reader entitled. (“Filipino Flex- Race and Politics in National City”, Cover Story, June 6, 2024) shows how far we have not come when it comes to eliminating concerns regarding race in American life and law. Human history is full of examples of inhumane treatment of one group to another group. You would think our civilization would have out grown such pettiness.

My dad was from Manila, Philippines and he told me growing up there in the 1920’s there was a “pecking order.” Full blooded Spaniards were at the top. Then half breeds (Filipino-Spanish mestizos), followed by full blooded Filipinos, with Chinese on the bottom rung.

I have a friend who is Lebanese and was always taking about “those Jews.” When he researched his ancestry and also found out about his Jewish ancestry, that seemed to quiet him down.

I myself am Filipino, Spanish, Scotch-Irish, English, and Jewish. Should I not trust Italians, the French, and so on?

When it comes to hiring people and political voting, why do we not just hire or vote for the most qualified person? Each generation should be accountable on how their children behave and are raised. Behavior is learned. We were all created in God’s image, no matter what “race”. My two last points are based on truth. As George Orwell said, “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”

Louie Pastor

Carlsbad

Once more with feeling

Elvin Bishop is best known for his song “Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” But, the songs “On and On” and “Save it for a rainy day” are Steven Bishop songs, no relation to Elvin Bishop (is not a singer). (“Elvin Bishop at the Belly Up”, Live Five, June 13, 2024). In addition, it was Steven Bishop in Animal House getting his acoustic guitar smashed by John Belushi. Only the Baby Boomers know Elvin Bishop and Steven Bishop as performers. I question the validity of Jay Allen Sanford articles.

Peter Charest

La Mesa

As we noted in response to your letter of last week, Mr. Charest, it’s “Stephen Bishop,” not “Steven Bishop.” But again, thank you for your kind attention in this mater — Ed.

Palm precision

The Mexican fan palm, species Washingtonia robusta, is indeed an invasive species, native to Baja California (“Blueprint SD Plan for the birds?”, Neighborhood News, June 6, 2024). The California fan palm, species Washingtonia filifera, is the only palm native to the American southwest. They are frequently confused but have differences.

There are 13 other palms native to continental United States, mostly in Florida but also in south and southeast states. Mexico has other native palms different from the United States, including the date palm.

Earl Kline

University City

Gratitude for the Moody Blues

Thanks to a notice in the Reader (“This Week’s Shows”, Music Section, June 20, 2024), a gracious box office staff at the Civic Theatre and an angel at Panera restaurant who cashed my $100 bill, I found myself seated in the magnificent Balboa Theatre under the full strawberry moon last Friday night. I had never seen the Moody Blues in person. But for 57 years, I have considered them the best band of the psychedelic generation and beyond. Their lead singer/guitarist Justin Hayward was the crown prince of troubadours, perfect in all aspects. I did not know how perfect until that Friday night. Amidst a wondering audience I was witness to the most skilled, transcendent, and engaging human presence/artist I could ever have imagined. Thank you Reader, I owe you big time.

Jeff Keith

University Heights