Rep. Walter Tucker

Re “Rep. Tucker Pleads Not Guilty to U.S. Charges,” Aug. 23: I wish public officials would cease with their constant accusations of federal prosectors being overzealous in their pursuit of high-profile black men. Rep. Walter R. Tucker III (D-Compton) cites Marion Barry, O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson and Michael Jackson as examples. Well, Rep. Tucker, what you have here are a convicted cocaine user, an indicted double murder suspect, a convicted rapist and a suspected child molester, who may have bought himself his innocence. Not one of these men has cleared himself in a court of law. (Simpson’s case is pending.)

And look at the high-profile “non-blacks” such as Michael Milken, Robert Altman, Willie Nelson and Jim Bakker, all who have been suspected or convicted of criminal offenses. I think prosecutors target suspected criminals, not people of race.

JEFFREY WONG

Los Angeles

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Tucker’s claim of racism is the height of cynicism. African Americans must realize that when their leaders cry wolf they are reducing the claim of racism to a meaningless cliche. Claims of racism by public figures now are a mark of desperate individuals.

DAN POTTER

Los Angeles