Last week Jacob Clark told us to look at the statistics on hate crimes (“Confederate flag on truck is a bad sign of the times,” letters, Simi Valley Acorn , Oct. 2)

I did, and the FBI website records from 1996 to 2007 reflect a reduction of “overall hate crimes.” You have misguidedly associated “scared, right-wing spreaders of extreme phobias” with those who “fuel the flames of these neo-Nazi types.”

As any radical/terrorist group with a specific agenda, they are fueled by their own hate. Those expressing their disagreement with the current healthcare reform plan are just average Americans like me who are not promoting hate but want reformation that makes sense.

I hope you have researched the reform plan to know what people are talking about. Intertwining the two subjects is ludicrous.

What you don’t see is that you are fueling flames and fueling fears with statements you are making. Stop labeling groups of citizens as extremists or spreaders of extreme phobias just because they have opposing opinions.

Stop associating radical groups like neo-Nazis with blanket statements regarding conservatives. Look at the facts and use common sense before publicly spouting off.

Liberals continue to bring race into the current conversation on any matter in opposition to this administration’s policies. Even President Carter expressed his opinion and stirred up controversy on the issue.

The neo-Nazi groups are being watched by our government and do not need more attention.

Yes, we have to stand up against hate. No, political discussion and opposition to policies introduced by the servants of the people (those we have elected to represent us) should not be labeled hate.

Please reflect on the Pope’s quote, “We must beware of those who burn with zeal but are not endowed with much sense,” while looking in the mirror. By the way, I am a minority. Dan Moreau Simi Valley