To the editor: It took African Americans hundreds of years to gain their freedom. Still, to this day, young blacks are gunned down for walking down the street, playing music too loud or simply for asking for assistance. Legislation does not end the struggle. (“Latinos, angry with Obama, may sit out midterm vote, hurting Democrats,” Oct. 20)

I understand the frustration that many Latinos feel with the perceived inaction of this president; his hands are tied. But if Latinos do not turn out in November, immigration reform would be dead on arrival with an anti-immigrant GOP controlling the Senate and the House.

If African Americans can wait, suffer and struggle for centuries, certainly others can do the same for another few weeks or months. Vote — because it is always darkest just before the dawn.

Eugene Sison, San Dimas

..

To the editor: What immediately came to mind reading this article was the saying “cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face.” It seems to me that’s what the Latinos in this article are threatening to do in November. A minority voter staying home on election day is a vote for a Republican.

Weighing which party has best treated Latinos, there is no contest. Last year, the Democrat-controlled Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform, while the Republican-controlled House did nothing.

President Obama has used his executive authority to implement several pro-immigrant measures. Could he have done more? Sure. But would Latinos be better off with Republicans controlling both houses of Congress? Not a chance.

Gale Poppen, Ridgecrest, Calif.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion

Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times