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# Racist comment needs attribution
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/racist-comment-needs-attribution-editor/
- Published: 2003-11-21T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T03:15:39.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pico, #archive-import

*By Wes Terry PNA Board Member*

I can only say that I am absolutely stunned by the column in the SMDP by Bill Bauer in the Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 issue. To place such an inflammatory statement as “the white men had to go” and attributing it to a Pico Neighborhood Association member without a source, is not only shoddy journalism, but irresponsible. During the election process, and even before the newly elected members, I had not heard a member speak in terms of race in regard to serving on the PNA. A negative statement of that magnitude only stands to divide a community and its people and has no place in our organization. The PNA board has been — and still is — a diverse board of community people from all walks of life in support of their community. Such an obviously inflammatory statement is incredibly libelous and has defamed not only the PNA organization, but also the very members of the board.

As the Daily Press well knows, a libelous statement written without foundation can be challenged in the court of law.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 21, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/112103.pdf?ref=smdp.com)