Letter to the editor
To the editor:
As friends of Dr. Abalos and his wife, we would like to share what we know of these generous and erudite community members and also to express our opinion. While we wish we could express our feelings on canvas, since that seems to signal respect, we hope that our opinion will nevertheless be valued. Recent and unfortunate experiences, however, suggest instead that it will encounter an atmosphere of negativity, misrepresentation and distrust.
The letters printed by the paper were individualized opinions and how fortunate we all are that we live in a country that allows us all to express our thoughts. The authors of these letters were allowed this opportunity; was Dr. Abalos less deserving of this privilege? Did he not have the right to answer questions asked of him by a reporter? Dr. Abalos gave his opinion and for this, a good man, a friend to many, and an advocate for all students, was poorly painted. (Oops, can we say that?)
We have frequently had the good fortune to work side-by-side with Dr. Abalos on various functions and projects and have found him and his family to be true advocates of fairness and equality for all people, not just Latinos, as some letters to the editor would have us believe. Dr. Abalos and his wife, Celia, have volunteered many hours of services and talents to this community. Dr. Abalos’ presentations are, in our opinions, and we again emphasize the word opinion, educational and deliver a message that promotes and embraces unity. We know of many generous contributions, which we believe far exceed any earnings in this community. An example of their generosity and kindness: The Abaloses quietly donated $1,000 to a family who was suffering a medical crisis.
We also need to respond to a writer (at www.windsorhightsherald.com) who stated that if Dr. Abalos really cared about "his" Latino students "he’d make it his job to see that they go to school, get to classes on time, study and do their homework. He’d also see that they get the help they need to excel in all their academic courses, particularly English." The implications are painted with a broad brush. If, alternatively, we are looking for a role model who demonstrates that poverty can be overcome with hard work and a good education, we have one. If we are looking for a role model who is willing to give charitably of his time and earnings, we have one.
In ending, we want to reiterate the mural is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. But if individuals continue these back-and-forth conversations we are afraid that the mural will take on a whole new different meaning as the center of dissent and misinterpretations, rather than the peace, harmony and unity we seek and desire. We are fortunate to have individuals such as Dr. Abalos and Mr. Plank.
Each is a gifted artist, one with words, and another through a canvas. That is our opinion.
Luz Nereida Horta
Nilda Garcia
Mercedes Colón-Vargas
Ondina Jeffers
Minerva Trinidad
Millie Ovalle
Lydia Santoni-Lawrence
Hightstown
Ms. Horta is the executive director of the Better Beginnings Day Care center in Hightstown. Ms. Santoni-Lawrence is the executive director of the Community Action Service Center in Hightstown.