Editor,
I would first like to extend my congratulations to Mayor-elect Richard Berry on his recent victory. However, I must add that I was quite disturbed by some of his campaign rhetoric against immigrants living in Albuquerque. Berry scored political points with scared white voters by claiming that former Mayor Martin Chávez had turned Albuquerque into a “sanctuary city” for illegal immigrants. This kind of talk is nothing more than good old-fashioned white supremacy, which will only polarize the racial communities. Not only is this kind of talk irresponsible, but it sets the stage for a possible racial conflict in the future. If the history of our country has taught us anything, it is that once the racial powder keg is lit, then it is only a matter of time before it explodes into communal violence. I hope to God for the mayor’s sake and for everyone else in this city who wants peace that Berry does not make the mistake of lighting that powder keg.
Muhajir Salam
UNM student
