King Visit Amounts to Felon’s Forum

In the editorial on Rodney King’s recent visit to Saddleback High School (“In the End, a Message That’s Needed,” Jan. 14), I believe The Times sorely missed the point on why the citizens of Tustin were outraged when Rodney King made his “surprise” visit to Tustin High School.

The objection was to a convicted felon using a public school as his forum. Equally disturbing is the portrayal of King as a “role model” for our impressionable youth.

I am quite sure there are many others who are much more qualified to discuss the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King and preach the message of staying in school. I think our youth would be better served if they heard these messages from someone who has turned their life around after experiencing an adverse situation, not one who has been arrested since.

DEIRDRE GIBSON SEAMAN

Tustin