Assimilation requires change

Re “Unveiling their fears,” editorial, Nov. 18

The Times was wrong with its opinion that the Dutch should change their tolerance level to assimilate Muslim immigrants. It is the immigrants who have to assimilate into the culture they will join. For whatever reason, whether it be security or distaste that immigrants believe a country should change for them, the Dutch have every right to enforce the restriction of wearing burkas in public.

A Western woman visiting a Muslim Middle Eastern country would be required by law to cover her head. Why should it not be applicable in the reverse?

When a person or family visits or immigrates to a country, he or she must adhere to that particular way of life, and cannot protest the very lifestyle he or she has decided to join.

STEPHEN SHANE

Van Nuys

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I was surprised that The Times advocated the wearing of masks (nontransparent veils) in public. Would The Times suggest wearing masks at LAX, where one is even required to take off one’s shoes to be allowed to board a plane? What would the L.A. police say about someone walking around downtown wearing a concealing mask? Wearing of nontransparent veils in public is not an attack on Muslims but a safety issue.

SELWYN BRENT

Huntington Beach

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I applaud the Dutch people for having the courage to make unpopular decisions, such as the banning of garments that signify oppression and an unwillingness to assimilate. Only a democracy that shows teeth is viable. Our tolerance is exactly the virtue that extremists exploit. It should not have to apply to them if their actions bring harm on us.

Immigrants are usually voluntary guests at first. If they wish to stay, they had better accept the customs of the land. As a two-time immigrant, I know firsthand that assimilation is tough, but it is an expression of the respect and gratitude we owe our host country.

DANA LOEWY

Fullerton