Larry Is Better Than Old Blue Eyes
DEAR EDITOR: I enjoyed Kimberly Chun’s article about Larry Ching (“Heaven Sent,” Aug. 7). I am also one of those who knew Larry Ching, but did not know about Larry’s singing until much later.
It was in 1964 that I first met Larry, when I got my first newspaper delivery route in San Francisco. Larry was the manager of about 12 of us who delivered the old San Francisco News Call-Bulletin (the evening version of the Examiner; same owner, more pictures, less text) in his district.
From all appearances, Larry was a truck driver, wearing work clothes one would think a longshoreman would wear. However, I vividly remember that Larry would break out in song at times while he drove some of us around the streets of San Francisco in the newspaper truck. I remember thinking, “Wow. He sounds like he could do it professionally.”
Now I realize what a treat it was to hear his singing in 1964 in the newspaper truck. It was not until I saw Arthur Dong’s documentary that I realized that he actually had a pioneering and successful career in show business that concluded about two years before I worked for him.
Larry was my first boss. He gave me much advice and deserved criticism that gave me a good foundation for my future.
These were good times. I don’t think many people knew much about this phase of Larry’s life, as I knew nothing about his previous career.
To me, Larry was not just a delivery truck driver. He was truly a treasure in many ways. I am fortunate to have known and worked for him, and am extremely happy to know that his voice is preserved so that we can continue to enjoy the smooth singing that I first heard almost 40 years ago.
I know that Larry’s being featured as the “Chinese Frank Sinatra” was all hype. Actually, he’s much better than Sinatra. I know. I’ve heard both in person.
I purchased copies of the CD and wanted him to sign them. I wrote him and he thanked me by e-mail the day before he died:
“Hi David: Thank you for your kind words. I had actually stopped singing professionally in 1962 and never sang again until 1989 when they filmed the documentary, Forbidden City, U.S.A.
“They released the DVD last November and that’s when things started happening.
“My memory is very poor now, but I do remember you. I remember all my boys. I talk about those days constantly.
“I’ll be glad to sign CDs for you. Just let me know when, and we can make arrangements. Thanks again. Larry Ching.”
Thank you for your unique viewpoint and background interviews, which really made this article especially enjoyable.
David Jue
Redwood City, Calif.
Don’t Support Funk
DEAR EDITOR: Lance Corporal Stephen Funk, the Northern California reservist, (“Coming Out for Funk,” July 31), would have us believe that he is being court-martialed for being a conscientious objector. Although this might make great press in defense of cowardice, the truth is he is being court-martialed for missing movement and desertion (AWOL over 30 days).
Some say it would have been easier for Funk to state his homosexuality to get out of serving in Iraq, but let’s face it, that would have meant coming out. Not until it was clear that declaring conscientious objector status wasn’t going to be enough from keeping him from deploying did he decide to declare his homosexuality.
Funk is not a hero. The true heroes are those who served, no matter what their sexual preference. Funk made sexuality an issue and hid behind it.
Harvey Milk said, “You got to give them hope,” but Funk took the hope away from gay and lesbian service members by his actions. He gave credence to those who would say that gays don’t have what it takes to serve their country. Do not support the Sept. 4 vigil for Funk!
Julio Sosa,
US Army 1974-1984
San Francisco
Live with the Consequences
DEAR EDITOR: I am writing this in response to “Californians Having Butterflies over Ballot” (Aug. 15) by Sam Chu Lin. As the recall moves on, the different rationales of thinking in American culture are more and more apparent.
Californians voted for Gov. Davis, and we must take responsibility for our actions and stick with our current government. We elected Davis to a four-year term, and we have to live with our decision.
Furthermore, Davis has also had to govern in times of budget deficits and has the experience, upon which he can change his style of leadership and lead California into a better tomorrow. None of the Republican candidates have any experience running a state so it is not even assured that they would be any better given the circumstances.
Also this is more than just a matter of who our governor is, but also a reflection on the growing irresponsibility of American society. The underlying principles and morals in our culture are evident in these situations and change starts here. Our society must start taking responsibility for their actions, and we can start by accepting that Davis was voted in for four years.
Allard Chu, Age 16
San Francisco
DEAR EDITOR: Since both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Arianna Huffington are immigrants (“Will Arnold and Arianna Rally the Immigrant Vote,” Aug. 15), they may have an advantage in attracting immigrant votes. People may not like the fact that someone in office has a strong foreign accent. But then again, this may be a good thing because people of different ethnic backgrounds may be encouraged and inspired to get involved in politics.
We should not recall Davis, due to the fact that we chose him to lead this state. However, if Davis is recalled, a person of color may replace him, inspiring young people from other ethnic backgrounds to someday get involved in politics and government.
Tony Yu, Age 14
San Francisco