Your writer of the article “Best and Worst 2005” called Latinologues on Broadway the worst of 2005 even though he himself did not see the show on Broadway but cowardly chose to quote a critic from an Internet site. Latinologues was groundbreaking being the first-ever Latino created, written, produced, and directed play (Cheech Marin directed) in the history of Broadway.

Anyone who has seen my show has the right to have an opinion but please next time do your homework and see the show firsthand then criticize it. Ironically most Latino critics loved this show only a few Anglo critics were offended. Of course you quoted that one.

Latinos on Broadway? Who would of thought? It’s called “The Great White Way” for a reason. Latino’s need not apply. But we did and did 16 weeks (137 performances) with an extension due to popular demand. So to be fair, here’s a journalist’s review that did see the show and has even performed in the show as well.

“My dad used to say that the only real difference between Latinos was the color of the beans. What Latinologues manages with humor and sharp insight is to capture the great culture and spirit we share in common. The rich tapestry is presented in clever, sharply written vignettes that made me roar with belly laughs born of familiarity. That’s my family’s story. I know that guy. This is our fiddler On The Roof. Funny, real, relevant, smart and did I say funny?” - Geraldo Rivera

RICK NAJERA
www.latinologues.net

Viendo las cartas que aparecieron en la edición de enero me sorprendió leer las cartas afines al grupo terrorista Minuteman. El simple hecho de mencionarlos es darles importancia. Este grupo tiene su euforia salvaje en contra de nuestra comunidad hispana y se esconde en banderas del patriotismo para llamar la atención, ganar
adeptos y seguir expandiendo el veneno y odio que sus ingratos dirigentes tienen. Nuestra comunidad no es una comunidad de delincuentes, es orgullosamente hispana.

EDUARDO VALDEZ
Chicago, Illinois

Editor’s note: For our non-Spanish-speaking readers: The above exchange refers to a letter to the editor published in our December/January issue, written by a Minuteman member. The letter writer suggests that to mention them is to give them importance and accuses the group of racism. He states that the Hispanic community isn’t made up of criminals, as the Minuteman hints at.

I read the article entitled “Hospitals will get $1 Billion for Undocumented Immigrant Care” (Dec/Jan) and wanted to share the following:

We just buried our 5-year-old grandson on January 3rd. He fought a long battle of more than one year with brain cancer. He had over four operations, numerous
procedures, chemo, radiation, you name it. My daughter had to take a leave of absence without pay from her teaching job for almost a year to care for him. Yes, she still had benefits, but the deductibles her plan had were huge and his medication was very expensive.

She called the Social Security Administration to see if she could get help with some of her endless medical bills and they asked for so much information, which she did not have the time to prepare as she spent all her time, either at the hospital with him or caring for him 24/7.

She NEVER received one red cent to help with his care from our government. The Social Security Administration asked for loads of paperwork, but ultimately disqualified her because she had more than $2,000 in her account. These monies had been donated by our family members to help pay for funeral expenses.

She is an American citizen, her son was an American citizen. and it is disgusting that we will help others instead of our own. I would be all for helping “others” but first we should help our own. Now with thousands of dollars in medical bills, my daughter will be returning to work, paying taxes and Social Security and do her best to pay a lifetime of bills. My country makes me feel very sad.

MARIE MEDINA,
San Antonio, Texas

I just received my January issue and read the articles regarding Latino Chefs of 2005. Great choices, but I hate to inform you that there are many great Hispanic chefs who specialize in other cuisine. I find it hard to believe that a magazine would only promote Latin food, even if it is called Hispanic.

For example, Diego Marti Velasco of the Memphis Restaurants and Bars, in Orange County, California, is a rising star. He and his two partners (who by the way are Latino as well) own several establishments, one located in downtown Santa Ana the hub station for immigrants of Hispanic descent. It would be a shame to overlook such talent just because his restaurant does not have a Latin food menu.

ARACELI GRAJEDA
Orange County, California

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CORRECTION: In our February issue, IBM’s address and phone number were incorrectly published. The correct contact information is:

IBM Corporation
North Castle Drive
Armonk, NY 10504
914-765-5900