Dealing With Graffiti

I am sorry that these children feel compelled to leave their mark on the world by destroying property that belongs to others, but truthfully, I neither asked for nor wanted their “autographs.”

Perhaps, as the article notes, attempts to stem the tide of graffiti are inadequate. Perhaps it is time to increase the fines attached to the crime to an amount that will cover the court and repainting costs. Or the violation should become a felony. Others have suggested adding a tax to marking pens and spray paint to be used for painting over the graffiti. Finally, the workers usually working off court-ordered community service could repaint the defaced freeway walls.

All of these suggestions simply treat the symptoms and are Band-Aid measures at best, but in lieu of measures to treat the problem and in view of the immediate need for action, they seem reasonable.

JENNIE PEISOH

Long Beach