Parental Influence
* Re “Don’t Blame the Parents; It’s Mainly the Peers,” Commentary, April 25: I believe that the author’s point of view is nothing but another excuse. Unfortunately, too many people have the same attitude as Judith Rich Harris on the issue of children’s behavior. There is no doubt in my mind that children are teased and that many of their actions are due to highly influential peers, but this is only to be expected. I am not condoning the cruel actions of kids today, but life is not always perfect. We learn to deal with it. The way we learn to deal with it is by what our parents and family teach us.
If one has a strong belief system as to what’s right and what is wrong, one is more likely to make the correct decision in trying circumstances. It is sound moral values and structure that determine the shaping of a child. We must not be so quick to let parents off the hook. It is their responsibility to instill in their child positive attributes as well as good decision-making skills, so that when their children are off with their peers they will handle situations the correct way.
AIMEE KALMONSON
Laguna Niguel
*
I would like to briefly respond to those who are blaming the parents of the young men who shot their classmates, then themselves. My husband and I have four kids, and one gives us a lot of trouble. Counseling, medication and hospitalization are all tools we have used, but he is almost 18 now and still gives us a very hard time. I have spoken to so many Freudian psychologists who have blamed me for this, and it has broken my heart many times over, especially since I am a stay-at-home mom and want the best for all my children.
Please don’t turn this tragedy into a witch hunt wherein the parents of those boys get burned at the stake, at least not until we all find out more about them. They might be good parents. Not everything a child thinks about can be known or understood by the parents, this much I am sure of.
DENISE STARK
Yucca Valley
*
Re “Assembly OKs Bill Limiting Sales of Handguns,” April 23: Under this proposed “restriction” I can buy only 12 guns this year. How will I ever survive? Oh wait, my wife can buy 12 too. I feel better now. Next year another 24 and the next. When our daughter reaches legal Annie Oakley age we can up the family arsenal to 36 weapons per year. Now that’s safe, unless the Brady Bunch moves in next door.
Any state senator who defeats Assembly Bill 202 under the guise that it limits my constitutional rights, be on the next stagecoach out of town!
TAD MALONE
La Canada Flintridge
*
It is against the law to bring a gun onto a school campus. It is against the law to carry a concealed weapon in public without a permit. It is against the law for a minor to carry a gun in public. It is against the law to steal a gun. We even have the Brady bill. If any of these laws had been enforced we would not have had the tragedy in Colorado.
So what do some of our public officials call for in the aftermath of the Colorado tragedy? Another law! Claiming once again that this one will end the criminal use of guns.
Will we ever learn? A new law may make some people feel good but it will not save lives. Only respect for the law will do that.
J.N. GROVER
Garden Grove
*
If it’s true that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” why aren’t people in other countries in the developed world killing people in such numbers there? The only conclusion, other than the logical and most obvious one, of course, must be that American people are just inherently evil.
ROGER CAIRNS-BERTEAU
San Gabriel
*
April 25 headlines read “NATO Leaders Agree to Expand Role of Alliance”; “Teens Planned Assault for a Year, Diary Says”; and “No One Really Knew Them--Not Even Their Parents.” I am a believer in juxtaposition and that nothing happens by accident. As long as we kill to prevent killing, our young will never learn the value of a human life; therefore incidents like this will continue to happen. We must teach values by our actions, not words.
MARTY LISKER
Los Angeles