Animals and the poor usually lose

Re “The choice isn’t seals or people,” Opinion, Dec. 4

The reduction of this issue as one of people versus animals belies the irrational assumption that to be a person is to be in opposition to nature. Isn’t this symptomatic of the debased relationship to the Earth that has led to global warming? (Not to mention the absurdity of destroying nature to enjoy an “artificial” nature purged of its inhabitants.) Perhaps those who think in these terms have such little hearts that they are capable of respecting and cherishing only a chosen few: those children who want to swim. Perhaps they have no imagination to find other solutions: The children can swim elsewhere, or make new friends among the children watching the seals, while learning about respect and responsibility toward the Earth.

Namita Goswami

Terre Haute, Ind.

As The Times pointed out, the issue with the seal colony in La Jolla isn’t people versus animals, it’s the interests of wealthy people versus those of poorer people. Sadly, our legal system favors those with money. Those without money, including these seals and the kids and families who enjoy watching them, rarely get a voice.

Monica Ball

Peoria, Ill.

I was dismayed to learn that, as usual, what’s good for people always takes precedence over what’s in the interest of animals. There are other beaches that people can choose to enjoy, but to encroach on seal habitat should not be allowed. Marine mammals and other ocean inhabitants are being decimated by humans. Give the animals a break and let the people find other beaches.

Arlene Cohen

Los Angeles