Earthquake Responses

Thanks for Ken Reich’s Aug. 26 earthquake column, but why do we only get them when there has been an earthquake? As a townhouse owner, I have tried getting information about the possibilities of federal earthquake coverage since John Garamendi was state insurance commissioner. I had no luck with his office, none with insurance companies (naturally) and none with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles).

It seems that, as usual, the American voter stays at home until something happens to his wallet. I fear once again we’ll wait till after the next quake before the whining (and, for the politicians who did nothing, the posturing) begins.

RON DiCOSTANZO

Santa Monica

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Who will pay the bill when the big one strikes L.A.? It certainly will not be any foreign nations, most of which have been recipients of our generosity for the past 100 years or longer. If it has not been money, food or fuel, it has been thousands of American lives. So, when the big one does hit, don’t look overseas or to our adjacent neighbors, for it “ain’t” going to happen.

JAMES R. PRATLEY

San Diego

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The only bright spot that resulted from the disastrous Turkish earthquake was the observance of the massive global assistance offered to the victims. Not only did they receive generous aid from their brethren in Turkey but also from more than 60 countries. Southern California organizations representing the Armenian, Greek, Jewish and Korean communities were among the contributors. All this was recognized and highly appreciated by the Turkish public.

The divisive comments of Russell Hall (letter, Aug. 27) only help to politicize a tragic event and show insensitivity at a time of suffering. Rather than fanning the flames of animosity we should be building on the goodwill gestures to help bridge differences. Let humanity prevail.

KENAN ALPAN

Huntington Beach

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Matthew Miller’s Aug. 27 commentary (“Anti-’Government’ Feeling Is a Luxury for Americans”) is brilliant. What better illustration of the vital services that government can perform than the catastrophe in Turkey? All those who believe that a government should only guard the shores and deliver the mail should read this with open minds and hearts.

CONSTANCE PENCALL

Whittier