Do the crime, do the time

Re “My brother, the ‘terrorist,’ ” Opinion, May 24

Jonathan Paul believes slaughterhouses are inhumane to animals, so his decision was to burn it down. And his sister thinks he doesn’t fit the definition of a terrorist?

To all the activists who commit criminal acts like Paul’s, try changing the laws you disagree with instead of hurting law-abiding citizens. Paul knew the potential consequences, yet he still committed arson, and now his sister is upset about the potential amount of prison time he faces.

People need to be accountable for their actions -- break the law, pay the price, and don’t ask for my sympathy.

ANDY RADDEN

Manhattan Beach

*

In answer to Caroline Paul’s question regarding her arsonist brother’s lengthy string of criminal activity, “But ‘a classic case of terrorism’?”

That’s right.

MARK TARNOWSKI

Minneapolis

*

I watched a program once on PBS in which wild mustangs were released after being held in a pen for some time. The thrill of watching them kick up their hind legs in triumph, knowing they were free, is one image I will never forget. There is something of the Wild West in those beautiful animals.

Caroline Paul’s story really is an indictment of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which allows these beautiful animals to be rounded up when there is plenty of space for them to roam. If they do die of old age, let it be out on the prairie or some grassy field in the middle of nowhere. That would be better than ending up in a slaughterhouse.

CECELIA

KENNELLY-WAESCHLE

Malibu