North Valley Shootings

* As an African American, I cannot be reminded too frequently of the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Jewish nation during those horrifying years of the Holocaust. The recent tragedy of the shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center is a poignant reminder to all of us of the importance of walking through the history of other cultures and races so we can begin to empathize with their pain and suffering.

In our diverse city, we are fortunate to have places we can visit such as the Museum of Tolerance, the Skirball Cultural Center, the African American Museum and many other museums that represent Los Angeles’ diversity. There cannot be unity without understanding. By learning the history of others, we bridge the gap of understanding and take an active role in eliminating hate and bigotry. Remaining sensitive to the issues of hate keeps fresh our memory of what can be repeated if we don’t take public action.

As community leaders, we are called to action. As a resident of Granada Hills victimized by this senselessness, I understand hate knows no boundaries, and as a mom, I rally together for the protection of our most valuable assets--our children, our future.

SHARON ASHFORD

President, National Council of Negro Women, San Fernando Valley Section

Granada Hills

* Why is it that when a drunk driver kills an entire family, no one screams to ban Ford, Toyota or VW automobiles that exceed 65 mph? As silly as that sounds, the analogy is exact. The knee-jerk outcries for gun control are akin to banning vehicles that can exceed a certain speed. When will people realize that the human being is responsible for the violent act, not the inanimate object? It already is illegal to enter a school or a Jewish community center and shoot these innocent victims. If the suspects ignore these laws, why would they suddenly obey new gun laws restricting the firearms? New gun control laws would miss their intended target and affect only the law-abiding citizens.

Creating new laws is not the answer. Our entire community needs to do a better job of preventing these atrocities from occurring in the first place.

GIA P. GOYEN

Azusa

* Unfortunately, too often police are subject to second-guessing and criticism.

In watching the events unfold on TV during the heinous and deplorable shooting at the Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, I was moved by the action of our Los Angeles Police Department. The police had the youngsters hold hands with each other and with the officers as the police led them to safe surroundings. That sight said more than words could describe. We witnessed L.A.’s finest at their finest. Kudos to our police.

BERNARD BUBMAN

Woodland Hills