Graffiti

The Times prides itself on presenting responsible points of view, but we have to wonder when it decided to run the prose by Linda Blandford on Feb. 27 (“Making One’s Mark on the World,” Op-Ed Page) in which she defended graffiti and vandals.

The last thing we need in Los Angeles is for someone to declare that those who destroy public property aren’t understood and that maybe it’s OK for people to deface school walls and RTD buses.

Our RTD Transit Police have the onerous task of responding to vandalism. It is a serious crime that can result in punishment. Public humiliation for graffiti? Absolutely. These youngsters will face a lot worse than handcuffs and embarrassment later if the message isn’t made crystal clear: Graffiti and other vandalism are unacceptable.

Let me remind The Times and its readers once again that graffiti is costing RTD, which means it’s costing taxpayers, $10 million a year to repair and clean. We fear some who read the column may believe The Times believes it is OK to vandalize public property. Whether The Times advocates this position or not, this surely is the message that many readers came away with.

GORDANA SWANSON

President, RTD

Los Angeles