IMPARTIAL REVIEWERS

When seeking outside individuals to review books, plays, movies, etc., it is imperative that those individuals not only be knowledgeable on the subject being reviewed but also impartial.

I don’t believe that Julian Nava should have been selected to review the book, “MexAmerica” (Book Review, March 20). Although he may be knowledgeable about the subject matter discussed in the book, he is not impartial. For example, his remark, “Daily we read . . . about the harassment of Latinos by law enforcement agencies and the INS” conclusively shows his slanted view of immigration of Latinos into the United States. The statement simply is not true. I read two newspapers and watch televised news everyday and often hear accounts of the INS arresting illegal immigrants. This does not, in my mind, constitute harassment. Stories of INS harassment are few in number.

It appeared from reading Nava’s review that his primary concern was to promote the cause of Latinos rather than to give an impartial review of the book.

JEFF STIEGLER

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES