Rights Curtailed for Sake of Safety

Regarding the recent decision of the Los Angeles district attorney banning gang members from the Las Palmas Park in San Fernando, it seems that at certain times in our history it has become necessary to curtail some questionable constitutional rights of individuals in order to protect the rights of others.

At a time such as this, when the character and integrity of our law enforcement officers is in question, it would seem that every means available to protect law-abiding citizens should be used.

The American Civil Liberties Union, through their spokesman and executive director, Ramona Ripston, has once again taken the position that almost anything that is used to protect others is in violation of our Constitution. More specifically, she has stated that the ordinance could be used in a discriminatory way and as such her organization is considering filing a lawsuit to stop it.

I have often wondered just how these self-appointed protectors of individual rights would act if one of their own members were assaulted or even severely injured. Whose side would they then take? Does the injured individual have no rights to protection?

I believe that perhaps Ripston should spend the entire night at Las Palmas Park and see firsthand just what occurs there. Perhaps she herself will become a victim of those whom she is claiming to protect.

It’s about time that the law enforcement officers are given the credit that is due them. I have never heard of calling a gang member when you need help.

LEWIS H. HOLZMAN, Encino