North Hollywood Bank Robbery Death
Can you explain why every single component of the media picks up a specific word or expression and repeats it endlessly, without attempting to analyze what they are saying, much less recompose or, God forbid, try to improve the use of the English language? Early news on TV reported that the death of the thugs in that infamous North Hollywood shootout may have been “unnecessary.” Not only was I incensed by the stupidity of the word, but I keep hearing this, repeated almost verbatim, by everybody (“Bank Robber Bled to Death Unnecessarily,” April 21.)
It isn’t very often that I find myself agreeing with your editorials, but today (“Enough Mistakes to Go Around,” April 22) I do. I’m glad you kept your cool and approached the issue in a civilized manner. I know I would find it very difficult. And, by the way, LAPD Chief [Bernard] Parks should also be credited for doing the same, very professionally.
This single incident should be viewed for what it was: an unjustifiable act by two beings who were totally deranged and caused a war to happen. They needed to be disposed of, and it’s a shame it couldn’t be done more swiftly and efficiently. This is the end of the story. Forget the message that was sent; there was none.
NELSON FAY, Van Nuys
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I’m tired of apology after apology given for the fine job our LAPD and Fire Department did during this critical time. You can’t print what I would have done to them. They gave up all of their human rights when they started trying to maim and murder innocent people at will.
THOMAS LEVERICH, Hollywood
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The misplaced pity for [Emil] Matasareanu is disgusting. The abominable creature you call a “suspect” was not some poor mistreated “bank robber.” He and his heavily armed and armored partner attempted mass murder on a huge scale. While greatly regrettable that he was not killed instantly by the first bullet fired by police, they did the best they could with the weapons they had available. Bleeding to death saved countless millions of dollars in sensationalized trials and appeals, and years in prison before execution.
I save my compassion for the deserving, including animals.
WAYNE C. IRWIN, Northridge