Daryl Gates’ Comments on Drug Users

Although my initial reaction to Gates’ assertion that all casual drug users “ought to be taken out and shot” was a combination of hilarity and outrage, I now realize that perhaps he’s stumbled upon a brilliant solution to many of this city’s most nagging problems. I assume that Gates’ sweeping statement includes tobacco and alcohol users--yes, even the casual ones--since those drugs are arguably more harmful than marijuana. With all those users shot and eliminated from the landscape, just think of how spacious, uncongested and clean our city will become overnight.

Let’s raise a toast to . . . oops, I mean, um, let’s drink a diet cola to celebrate Gates joining the likes of Ed Davis and Sam Yorty in the all-time Los Angeles Buffoonery Hall of Fame.

PETE HOWARD

Santa Monica