Is the LAPD off the map?

Re “LAPD to build data on Muslim areas,” Nov. 10

I realize that “anti-terrorism” is all the rage now in government-expansion circles, but will someone please explain to me why the L.A. Police Department is involved in anti-terrorism efforts to the extent that it has an expensive, full-time staff out mapping Muslim communities and “helping [weave] these enclaves into the fabric of the larger society”? Until the LAPD eliminates the homicides, burglaries, rapes and other crimes actually within its jurisdiction, shouldn’t it leave what sounds suspiciously like intelligence gathering and social work to others?

Margaret Manning

Los Angeles

So, the LAPD will now analyze “the history, demographics, language, culture, ethnic breakdown, socioeconomic status and social interactions” of the L.A. Muslim population. And the LAPD’s competence to perform this task comes from where, the Police Academy? The idea is offensive and proves that the LAPD must be closely watched and not be allowed to gallop off in pursuit of absurd and idiotic goals under the pretext of “protection.”

I have recently come through open-heart surgery, ably performed by a team of San Fernando Valley cardiac surgeons of Islamic faith. Will the LAPD also “take a deeper look at” such excellent and highly trained professionals? In what manner does the LAPD believe itself to possess the intellectual capacity for any such activity, so different from chasing gang members in Pacoima? The idea is insulting and deserves to be trashed immediately.

Harry Fisher

Woodland Hills

Re “Outcry over Muslim mapping,” Nov. 10

I find it amusing that your article goes on about how Muslims shouldn’t be profiled in the LAPD mapping program because they’re not as radical as European Muslims and they’re just blending in here. Then, at the end, Mohammed Abdul Aleem says that when President Bush talks about attacking Iran, “we are pushed more toward extremism. Every time our president opens his mouth, there are more people joining Al Qaeda.” The president is not attacking Iran. This man sounds like a Muslim making threats to America when they don’t like what we’re doing to protect ourselves from another attack. How soon can the mapping program start?

Lee Ryan

Green Valley

In 1982, at the height of Irish Republican Army terrorist bombings in England, I returned to visit my birthplace, London. Raised in L.A., I was oblivious to these events. My red hair and blue eyes were the only reason I was refused service in London’s restaurants and pubs, and searched every time I entered a museum. As I was getting on the tube (subway), a man hit me in the back of my head. I was equally stunned by the onlookers’ apathy as I lay on the platform. The city’s harassment of Americans of Arabic or Persian origin promotes hatred and violence against these innocent citizens.

Edith

Ashworth-Cohen

La Mirada