VOCES

Ganglandia Chronicles
Note: A Gang Apart author and photojournalist Alvaro Lopez has shared some letters responding to his November story. Some letter writers were unable to provide surnames and places of residence. I just finished reading your article [“A Gang Apart”] in Hispanic! And I wanted to let you know that it really touched my heart. I can’t really describe how, because my cousin was murdered in July by one of these gangs. He was so innocent, walking home one night from work. I live here in the U.S. and coming across your article brought me memories of my cousin back home in El Salvador.
Roxanne

I recently read your fine article “A Gang Apart.” Good article, thanks. My wife and I spend a lot of time in Central America and have been able to grow in understanding and compassion for the individuals who are steered toward gang life.
Gregory

I saw your article and I was amazed, scared and dumbfounded to think that our Hispanic society is pretty much going downward, and that the vision of young Hispanics in our day is one of drugs, prostitution, gangs, violence and corruption. I have met many kids in my area in these situations here in Florida. Most of them, as sad as it is, seem to have no aspiration to be someone. I know parents, society, poverty and the government have lots of fault but it still doesn’t excuse their ignorance in knowing right from wrong. While I was reading your article I would say to myself “Wow! ¡Qué ignorancia! Qué falta de respeto por la vida.” I will never understand the pursuit of gang life, but reading this has made me view it with just a bit more compassion.
Beatriz Gonzalez de Vaca

The Legend Continues
Many thanks for the article, “The Legend of Pancho Pistolas,” regarding Fuerza Aérea Mexicana Escuadrón 201 and Capt. Reynaldo Peréz Gallardo. I am from Mexico City, and as a boy, I remember visiting a small display in some government building off the Zocalo, and actually seeing and touching a machine gun that had been taken from a Japanese aircraft in the Pacific theater of WWII by members of the Escuadrón 201. I am younger than Capt. Peréz Gallardo, and I have always known about and been proud of Mexico’s role in supporting the U.S. effort during WWII. Those from the present who live in the U.S., and who resent the Mexican presence in this country would do well to learn about this and other similar involvement and contributions of Mexican nationals who have helped the U.S. effort throughout history, though some in less dramatic, but just as heroic efforts.
Lorenzo Paredes Paz

From a Purple Heart soldier: I finished a seven-day mission in the mountains in northern Afghanistan. When I came back there was mail in my bunk and the November issue of your magazine. I know it sometimes takes four to five weeks for Black Hawk to bring us mail to our remote post. I read every single page including the amazing experience of Escuadrón 201. It made me feel good about our strong Latino blood, every era or war had its heroes and many times our Hispanic soldiers are part of it. I’m proud to be a part of this fight against extremists. My father is a retired colonel from the Mexican Army and I was born in a military hospital. Thank you for boosting my morale with your magazine again.
From the frontlines,
Pfc. Miguel Angel Castro Solano
More on Mental Health
I would like to respond to “Mind Matters” by Alissa Zuellig. I liked the article, but was upset that she started the article with the word “minority.” If she is referring to American citizens of Hispanic ancestry, I believe that the word “minority” does not apply. If one is an American, then one is a part of the majority. The label minority is not a label that should be used to address any American because it brings about disparity and fragmentation. If Americans start to see themselves as inferior, others will see them this way also. American is a majority and it is not a color of skin, it is a way of life. I like your magazine and I hope that one day it will start to show the nation that Latinos are second to no one. There is a fear in this land that we are a problem, because they see us as minorities and aliens. This is dehumanizing, and I no longer want my children described as second to anyone. We are a majority, it should be shouted from the rooftops.
Orestes J. Gonzalez
New York, NY

I have been receiving Hispanic Magazine for many years, but this time, your November issue had some excellent, no, outstanding articles. The article on the Mexicans that helped us during World War II, the most touching article on the 18th Street Gang, and of course the article on entertainers.
Gilbert S. Baca
Brigadier General (Retired)

Correction
The Las Alamandas resort featured in last month’s travel section accommodates 30 guests, not 28, and the property expands for 1500 acres, not 15.

Send us your comments!
Address mail to: Hispanic, Letters to the Editor, c/o Page One Media, 6355 N.W. 36th St., Second Floor, Miami, FL 33166 or e-mail us at hispeditor@page1media.com. Letters should include writer’s full name, city and phone number. Not all letters can be printed, and those chosen for publication may be edited for space and clarity.