Writer Praised for Watts Piece

I was almost moved to tears. I do not live in Watts, but I have worked in South-Central L.A. and Compton as a defense attorney over the last five years. Many of the people whom Mr. Harris described are similar to the people I have met.

Although some of my clients are sophisticated criminals, a majority of them are just regular people who become criminals for a variety of complex reasons. Two of the major factors are lack of jobs and poor education. For every person like “Slick,” who does not want to work, there are 10 people who would love to have a real job.

People, who cannot find work, who have dropped out of school, or who cannot afford higher education, do not cease to be human beings. They have to eat, they have families and they have to have something to do. Some turn to criminal activities such as theft and drug sales. Some turn to drug use, alcoholism, or revolving-door relationships to escape from their hopelessness. Unfortunately, a criminal record or a substance abuse problem is an additional barrier to the job market. It is a vicious circle.

There are many things that we, as a society, can do. We need to let our legislators know that funding, for public schools and for job programs, is imperative! Businessmen, small and large, must be willing to employ youth and young adults from the ghetto as well as other areas of town. We need to develop innovative job programs that will put people to work in capacities that will foster other social aims such as cleaning our streets, building our residential areas and businesses and taking care of our elderly.

People who can afford to donate money to major charitable causes should consider donating money to local public schools, local park and recreation programs, job training centers and local community agencies such as the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.

We have to realize that human beings are our most important resource. If we really want to eliminate welfare and reduce crime, we have to provide better education, put people to work and make all segments of our population feel that they are important.

CAROLE TELFER

Los Angeles