In response to ‘In Shock’

Dear Editor:

I was also in 42nd Street Bagel sitting by the window when he drove up in his golf cart and walked in wearing his “David Duke for President” shirt.  I pointed him out to my companion and remarked “I can’t believe he is wearing such an offensive shirt, and in Claremont of all places.”

The events unfolded exactly as described in the previous letter.

As a person of color, I was absolutely appalled at the unprovoked, belligerent, and offensive tirade of hate and garbage that spewed from his mouth. His manner and close proximity to the African American customer that he was verbally assaulting was also physically threatening as he stood over her and yelled into her face. In fact his behavior was so extreme that my companion wanted to call the police but I stopped her. I regret doing that now. While he has the right to wear that shirt he certainly does not have the right to speak to any human being in that manner.

In my more than half a century of living in America (on both the east and west coasts), I have encountered racism numerous times. But, if you had asked me if I would see it practiced in Claremont (where I have lived for the past 13 years), I would have argued that it was highly unlikely. If you had asked me if it would be condoned I would have argued even more. Obviously I was naïve.

The manager at 42nd Street Bagel actually waited on this despicable person with a smile, because as she said: “He was a paying customer.” I was glad that customers complained, even though their complaints fell on deaf ears.  Even his own wife, who was seated behind me, apologized for his deplorable behavior.

Well, I am also a “paying customer,” but from now on I will take my business elsewhere.

F. Mansfield
Claremont