Los Angeles Gadfly Jailed

I detect sympathy in your editorial “Let the Punishment Fit the Crime” (Sept. 27) regarding Hayes being sentenced to 155 days in jail for refusing (as always) to abide by the rules during certain public agency meetings; that Hayes is “an outspoken gadfly” and “no ordinary gadfly.” (Personally, I think 155 days in the pokey is a bit much myself, but he broke probation and that’s a different matter.)

However, in concluding your editorial you say, “Gadflies can be annoying, but the self-appointed watchdogs have every right to express their opinions at public meetings.” I appreciate an editorial’s slant to make its point, but don’t appreciate redefining terms. “Gadflies can be annoying. . . .” No. Gadflies “are” annoying.

You end the editorial musing, “But there’s got to be a way to conduct public business and to run an orderly meeting without resorting to citizen’s arrests, criminal prosecutions and sentences in overcrowded jails.” Here’s a thought: Volunteer to put Hayes under house arrest and have him serve his 155 days sequestered in The Times’ editorial offices.

BOB BRADY

Los Angeles