“Why can’t we all just get along?” Rodney King’s infamous statement from 1992. Some questions never go away. And while I’m not a supporter of the recent Channel 62 billboard ad, I’m concerned about the potential for negative backlash against Latinos from those that have over-interpreted this ad campaign as endorsing illegal immigration.

If only the backlash would be against the media & ‘get your attention at any costs’ culture that runs LA. While Channel 62, and KFI radio (see backlash billboard) are benefiting in increased viewers, the average JoseMaria, Javier y Juan Carlos - whether undocumented or 5th generation - gets double scrutiny about whether or not they “belong” here.

In a moment of media-redemption, Sam Ruben from KTLA Morning News made this comment about the backlash, “I don’t like it because they demonize illegal immigrants, while they make more more money.” Interestingly enough, KFI AM 640 is owned by Clear Communication, the same company that is producing the controversial billboards. Hmm? What is happening to our beautiful city - El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles (1781)?