Destruction in Koreatown

I am proud of living in this land of opportunity; being a part of this society and this country. I am proud of being an individual doing something productive that may be passed on to my wonderful family.

This is the foundation of Koreatown. In a relatively short time, with little experience and a lot of hard work, Korean-Americans have tried to build a productive life for themselves and their community. So I was proud watching them rally peacefully for justice and an orderly society in the midst of the riot (May 3). I was also proud to watch them hold firearms in defense and protection of their lives and properties when their community continued to be savaged and there was no law enforcement available to assist them. They were exercising their rights and responsibilities guaranteed by the Constitution.

I am proud my people will deal with these painful experiences and burdens imposed on them in a dignified and resolute way. They will rise above the violence and destruction and unite to overcome it.

I am proud of believing in the necessity of all races to learn to live together peacefully for the sake of all our children!

HENRY CHANG, Brea