New York City, October 21st, 2000

Dear Governor Pataki,

It is with great distress that we contact you regarding the criminal act that has occurred in New York's Suffolk County on Long Island. Two day laborers Israel Pérez Arbizu and Magdaleno Estruda Escamilla were brutally beaten by two white men.

This crime is even more appalling when it appears to be condoned by a (Republican) government official.

Can not the Suffolk legislator see that Long Island's economy moves in part on the back of these laborers?

One of these criminals has been aprehended and we do not believe his drunken aliby. He should be punished to the full extent of the law!

These racially and ethnically motivated crimes are intolerable and we ask that your office take strong measures to deal with them!

Sincerely,

Familia Chávez
Far Rockaway, New York