Dangerous Living

“Shaking, Rattling and Rolling in the Dough” (Commentary, Sept. 2), in which Crispin Sartwell links our high cost of housing with our love of danger, is the most absurd drivel I have ever read in The Times. As an associate professor of psychiatry at UCSD, I prescribe a remedial course in psychology for Sartwell. Why? Well, for example, the author cites heroin usage, illicit and unsafe sex as proof of our love of danger. Wrong! These behaviors are motivated not by danger but by pleasure--pleasure so great that some people risk the dangers.

Sartwell states that we love Southern California because it is dangerous. Using his premise, earthquake-prone Coalinga and El Centro would rival L.A. In fact, we love the ocean, the finest weather in the world and our outdoor lifestyle--so much so that we are willing to risk the earthquakes, mudslides and fires. And although it is true that a little danger may sometimes be exciting, I suspect that if we develop the technology to stop earthquakes, we will vote overwhelmingly to do so, and our property values will not drop but rise even further.

JAY S. COHEN MD

Del Mar

* Sartwell’s column was a unique look at what attracts many individuals to buy real estate in Los Angeles even though L.A. is so dangerous. The commentary explains that people pay for the pleasure of danger and that danger is seductive. It gives a clear understanding on basic principles of human nature and the attractiveness of danger itself. More importantly, it describes so perfectly why millions, including myself, choose to live our lives here in Los Angeles despite the obvious.

GINA GRIDER

Santa Monica