Police Spying and Counterspying

* It was exhilarating to share the music, the expressions, the sights, and the greasy hotdogs with my son in front of Staples during Al Gore’s speech. I am a gray-haired 55-year-old, and my 24-year-old son had participated in earlier protests, including the bike protest. We enjoyed sharing one part of democratic expression.

Thank you for reminding me that not all of the youth celebrating, dancing, singing, speaking, eating, talking were there to enjoy their right of free expression. Some were undercover agents on the job (Aug. 18).

Thursday night on the streets, I learned that the police forces were also infiltrated. At least some of the police were protesters at heart. I could see it in their eyes as I walked past them. I could hear it in their voices when I asked them questions. They were both unhappy with the overdone show of force and unwilling to push protesters and instigate trouble. Yes . . . spying engenders counterspying.

PHILIP HOFER

La Verne

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Re “LAPD Ends Week With High Marks,” news analysis, Aug. 19: Jim Newton concludes that there is only a “distinct minority” who view the actions of the LAPD as an “overwhelming response” to the few who threw rocks and bottles. I guess I am one of the “distinct minority,” whatever that means. Then again, I am not a delegate, City Council member, city official or ex-police officer--those whom Newton attributes as the majority opinion.

It is clear from the scant outside-Staples news coverage that a number of LAPD officers acted cowardly and unlawfully, as they used a variety of weapons to violently batter a majority of unarmed, peaceful citizens who were trying to exercise their basic inalienable and constitutional rights. That kind of behavior doesn’t just put a chill on the lawful exercise of 1st Amendment rights--it freezes it in its tracks.

DEBORAH KING-STRAW

Los Angeles

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Hats off to the LAPD for being neither provoking or provoked. Hats off to the D2K committee for keeping the more vehement protesters in check. Hats off to the delegates for keeping undercover and tending to their business.

And hats off to Angelenos for reacting in their normal manner, ignoring the whole thing.

BILL WARREN

Pasadena

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Some people say the protests were too diversified and lacked focus. However, there is a common thread that they may have missed. That is the corporate takeover of our system. The only way citizens can have a voice is to take to the streets. The Seattle battle is still alive and well, as is the revolutionary spirit that makes this country so great.

REVA OLSON

Seal Beach