Racist e-mails a blight on sheriff

Re “Don’t give racism a pass,” editorial, April 29

It is dangerous and false to assume that an entire group of human beings is different and inferior based solely upon their race, sex, religion or nationality. One whose jokes are based upon this assumption is clearly announcing that he or she is a racist and a bigot.

Tom Angel, chief of staff to Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, may have various good qualities. He may be generous and kind to his family and friends. He may even give generously to his church and various charities.

But, based on the flagrant and ugly bigotry displayed in emails he sent while serving in the Burbank Police Department, he cannot hold a position of public trust. Ronald Rubin Santa Monica

Although some people may consider the content of e-mails sent by Angel offensive, I do not believe that this alone should disqualify anyone from holding public office unless this has been a persistent and prevailing trend.

As one who receives hundreds of e-mails daily, I have found a few funny enough to share with some of my friends regardless of their political correctness. Do we really want only people without any sense of humor to hold positions in law enforcement? John T. Chiu Newport Beach

The Times’ editorial rightly assesses how wrong it would be for Angel to continue in his capacity as chief of staff to Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell given the racist e-mails that have come to light.

But I would go a step further in questioning McDonnell’s abilities to manage. Did the sheriff not know the character of the man hired to be his chief of staff? Was he really unaware? If so, what can be said about this top cop’s investigative abilities?

Something doesn’t smell right here. David Charles Los Angeles