What about Williams’ victims?

Re “Funeral Service Celebrates Williams’ Conversion From Violence to Peace,” Dec. 21

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said, “We are not safer, we are not more secure, we’re not more humane.” He could have added that Albert Owens is still dead, having been shot in the back with a shotgun, witnessed by three of Stanley Tookie Williams’ fellow thieves.

Snoop Dogg said, “Another black king will be taken from the scene.” He did not mention the Asian Americans removed from the scene by the “king.”

I would be curious to know if anyone who attended the funeral for Williams was also present at the funeral of his four victims, Albert Owens, Yen-I Yang, Tsai-Shai Chen Yang or Yu Chin Yang Lin.

It seems an awful lot of media attention is being focused on the life and death of Tookie, how he had such a struggle and all. But we have not heard much about the family that came here from Taiwan seeking an opportunity to improve their situation; it must have been easy for them -- that’s probably why Williams shot them and took their $100.

D.W. JOHNSON

Newport Beach

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If Williams had redeemed himself, attempting to turn kids away from the gangs that have been the scourge of the inner city, why did so many of his mourners wear blue, the color of his murderous gang? On the other hand, one mother took her children to the funeral, telling them that is where they would end up if they join gangs. Maybe that is a good lesson.

DAVID GOODWIN

Los Angeles

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I favor an end to capital punishment in this country, but it is a disgrace to pretend that Williams is some sort of victim or martyr, or otherwise worthy of all the media attention he has received.

It is disrespectful and cruel to the victims’ families, and I hope the excitement is soon forgotten along with any memory of this monster.

BRIDGET RISEMBERG

Los Angeles