Guest Editorial: Chronicle Wrong About Lt. Watsada

by Rev. Norman Fong, 2007-02-01

(Ed. Note: The author, one of San Francisco’s most respected civil rights activists, submitted this to the SF Chronicle and, not getting a response, requested that we run it.)

Dear Editor (SF Chronicle):

After helping to organize welcoming events for Ms. Carolyn Ho (Lt Watada's mom) here in San Francisco this past weekend... as she inspired so many San Franciscans to support her son's cause... it was so disheartening to see the SF Chronicle's editorial comments calling Lt. Watada's public stand against the war as a matter of "misjudgement"...

Lt. Watada's willingness to go to jail for a great cause should be affirmed not canned as an individual's mistake! It is outrageous that the SF Chronicle editorial could so belittle his efforts. In the context of a progressive San Francisco, I'm thinking that the Chronicle is really getting out of touch with San Francisco values and the heart & soul of who we are... I say: "Power to you Carolyn and Lt. Watada"... Your courage & stand against the war is appreciated by "almost" all San Franciscans.

Rev. Norman Fong 3rd generation San Franciscan