Solutions to Gang Problem

* The Times editorial, “Redirect Fuel of Gang Fire,” (March 15) starts to make a good point--then loses it. Sure, private citizens can volunteer in a gang-prevention effort but the energy of the kids who are likely to get sucked in could provide the backfire for solving this expanding problem.

As a substitute teacher in a multiethnic community, I’ve often been challenged with the need of a lever for imparting notions of the Golden Rule.

During the Pledge of Allegiance, students rise to show respect for our country and what it stands for. But while “with liberty and justice for all” is an opener, a sentence could be added to the pledge which speaks of virtues and tells them how to grow in tolerance of others.

The added sentence and its goal, I believe, could rekindle interest of higher-grade students who skip the pledge. Further, since such words are meaningful, some schools may wish to end the pledge with a moment of silence.

The pledge follows:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

And I would like to add: “With my pledge freely given, I know that if I show respect, honesty and civility to everyone, as I would be shown, the strength that comes from our diversity will grow and show the world a way to peace.”

Since prejudices are learned, making a daily commitment of tolerance for our diversity and hopefully making a friend of someone different could help these youngsters get a gang-free start.

WARREN WILKE

Ventura