This letter isn't as much in response to this article ("Comedian's explanation lacking in sincerity," Nov. 28) as much as it is for this deal as a whole.

In listening to the video I was extremely distraught and outraged at the language and racial slurs made by Michael Richards.

However, upon listening even further, during this entire ordeal, in the background during his tirade a man continuously calls Michael Richards a "cracker," a racial slur for whites.

So my question here is, "Why has this issue not come up and been addressed by all these civil rights leaders?"

If they want equality and rights for everyone, shouldn't the blame be placed upon everybody's shoulders? Where does this type of behavior stop?

I am by no means saying what Richards did was OK.

I find it sickening that anyone could possibly think or believe that way, but this had to have come from somewhere.

The fact that another man stayed during this entire ordeal and continuously called Richards a "cracker" from the audience makes his actions seem OK in the eyes of everyone who heard it because it was drowned out by the fact that Richards is a "star" in the community.

These actions and utter hatred must be stopped, and stopped by everyone.

Not just stars or people in the headlines, but by everyone who has ever witnessed or been involved in such an outrageous form of prejudice.