Teen Deaths and Gang Violence

I have just read your editorial “A Cheerleader Dies” (Oct. 2). A thought came to me that I do not like. Could it be that the students at Paramount High School have contributed indirectly to this girl’s death? How? By condoning or tolerating gangs and their behavior.

Quite unwillingly, I would even suspect that there are students who can supply clues about this and other gang-related crimes. As long as peers are protected by other teen-agers, as long as gang affiliation is looked upon as “cool,” as long as misplaced loyalty exists, more students will die. This is not a Paramount High School issue, it’s a high school issue everywhere.

What I am saying is that among teen-agers there must be a change in attitude. Peer pressure can work for positive goals. It’s a weapon whose effectiveness can be miraculous. Use it! Please!

JESSE LEVINE, Long Beach