Council Should Send Myers a Message

Few people dispute former UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden’s innate sense of decency, his reputation for building character and the wisdom of his “pyramid of success” teachings.

Years ago, superstar Bill Walton informed Wooden that he intended to miss practice to exercise his personal moral obligation of protest by taking part in a demonstration.

Wooden responded by telling Walton that he clearly understood Walton’s feelings. Wooden pointed out that he too felt certain personal moral obligations, which included the welfare of the whole team and UCLA’s entire basketball program--past, present and future. In exercising that obligation, Wooden explained that if Walton missed practice he would no longer be on the team.

The Santa Monica City Council needs to send (City Atty.) Bob Myers a wake-up call--for the benefit of the entire city. Bob isn’t necessarily wrong in his beliefs, but that does not mean he isn’t hurting his city.

KIP DELLINGER

Los Angeles