By Karl Bruskotter
Regarding your June 17 article titled “Report: Pico residents are poorer, less educated,” I would like to respond to one of Oscar de la Torre’s comments. In the article he states that “Samohi students whose parents take the bus to work suffer psychologically when they compare themselves with classmates who drive expensive cars to school from neighborhoods north of Montana.”
First off, it’s a good thing Oscar de la Torre doesn’t work for the Big Blue Bus. At a time when progressive thinking cities, such as Santa Monica, are struggling to encourage more residents, rich and poor, to take public transportation, Oscar seems to indicate that this would hurt their egos, especially their kids.
Unfortunately, Oscar points out one of the flaws in our society. I grew up poor and white and had to beg for a ride home every day in the parking lot throughout high school or walk home. I’m doing fine, thanks in part to my parents, who never really taught me that having an expensive, luxury car would make me happier or more successful. They pressed education, decency, integrity and respect. I guess times have changed, or parents, or something? Maybe the city could establish a budget for expensive cars, hopefully SUVs, to donate to poor people so they feel better about themselves … oh, and their kids won’t suffer from a lack of self-esteem. What a great idea! Maybe I’ll get rid of my mid-90’s model Toyota Camry and get myself a really nice car. Besides, the rear of my car doesn’t have many numbers and letters back there. I’m sure I’ll be happier. Or maybe are values are tweaked? Just an observation.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 20, 2003. Read the original PDF.