Fresno mayor ‘harsh’ on Trump

I just wanted to respond to John Ellis’ reporting that Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin disliked Donald Trump’s Mexican comment. As the chairman of the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee, I am sensitive about defamation remarks.

I paid careful attention to Trump when he said “some Mexicans” who cross over illegally from Mexico were criminals. He did not say “all Mexicans.”

He was correct that “some” were offenders. As a criminologist, I know there is exploitation by “coyotes” upon women and girls and those who commit other crimes in our country. I served a term as a commissioner on the Parole Board and learned a lot more about the Mexican gangs and offenders.

I would object and condemn Trump if he said “all Mexicans” but he did not. So, I think our Fresno Mayor was unnecessarily harsh and incorrect in her negative assessment of Trump’s statements. There are plenty of clear-cut cases of discrimination and defamation to fight against. I would expect she and others will adjust their view accordingly.

This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Fresno mayor ‘harsh’ on Trump."