Underclass, Hi-tech and Los Angeles Uprising K Ravi Srinivas THE infamous verdict in the Rodney King beating case and the subsequent riots shook the world [see A T Callinicos, EPW, July 25]. Why such riots took place in that major hi-tech centre, where computers and hi-tech industries thrive rather tha n in other declining areas or in the 'rust belt' is a moot question that has gone almost unasked. Lenny Siegel, an alert analyst of hi-tech, particularly electronics industry provides some clues and poses many agonising questions.