Letter: Marvel's view of Mexican-Americans twisted, inaccurate

There were four pioneer Mexican families living in Battle Mountain in the 1920s. Three worked for the Southern Pacific Rail Road, the other herding sheep for the Saval Ranch. To my knowledge none rebuilt the ranchers "sod houses" nor did they have expertise in working with adobe. My husband was born in Battle Mountain the same year as John Marvel and went to school with him. His family lived in the "Section." John, whose Dad, Captain Marvel, was head of the School Board, lived in the Big House behind the "Section." The only time the kids were called "wetbacks" was after a swim in the Humboldt River. Through 1950 there was no such expression as green cards for hire.

As for the nickname, it goes with the territory. Some people believe your I.Q. depends on the color of your skin or the spelling of your name. In the 50 years I've been in Vegas I've been called everything from Spick to wetback (not to my face of course) and the only river I crossed was the Mighty Reese.

John does need to apologize instead of pulling a Clinton, or dreaming up some excuse of "How it was done on the ranch," but what a waste of energy for the hyphenated groups to talk recall. The political powers of both have gone to their heads.

Mrs. Paula Saragoza

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