BOSTON GLOBE: Asking more, they turn to Chang-Diaz

Letter to the Editor | August 24, 2008

RE YVONNE Abraham's Aug. 17 column "Asking more of a senator": African-Americans would be foolhardy to ignore the racial history of US electoral politics and not support "their" candidate under most circumstances.

But just because we may not balance our checkbook, that does not mean we should accept illegal or unethical practices by our bank. It also does not excuse the same behavior by any elected official, regardless of race or ethnicity. The saying goes: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. How many times will we be fooled?

Frankly, we deserve better. The "black vote" is not monolithic. There are many black communities in Greater Boston.

We are African-American, longtime community activists who support Sonia Chang-Diaz. Both candidates for the Second Suffolk senatorial seat support our political views.

However, there are clear differences in their public records. We must demand high standards of honesty and integrity. We cannot afford anything less.

We believe in Chang-Diaz's commitment to serve the entire district, and to be honest and ethical, especially in her role as a public servant.

ALVIN SHIGGS
Jamaica Plain
LAWRENCE D. FARRELL
Jamaica Plain

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/200...

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