Activists’ Arrest

Thank you for your coverage of the arrest of Food Not Bombs activists in Pershing Square (Dec. 28 and Jan. 3). The issue of serving free food in a public park is definitely one that concerns the right to free speech. Poor people and homeless people have a right to food and shelter, and activists should have the right to give out food to people from all walks of life in order to raise awareness about the issue and to set an example for the way a caring society should function.

If Food Not Bombs does not have free access to a public park and is not allowed to serve free food, then its message is being stifled, because serving food is a very political act. Free speech and curing immediate hunger in a public park should not be overrun by municipal code for a permit violation.

SCOTT GIBSON

Inglewood