Lakers, winners and losers

Re “L.A. loves a happy ending,” Column, June 18, and “Business leaders pick up city’s share of tab for Lakers parade,” June 17

I was struck by two violent episodes: Lakers fans overturning and burning cars in their triumphant thrill of victory, and Iranians dissatisfied with the outcome of their election, frustrated to the point of destruction.

Both are ugly and sad and deplorable; yet the Lakers fans’ violence seems so shallow compared with that of Iranians fighting for their future.

If those Lakers fans would just put half of their enthusiasm into making sure we had better governing here, we’d be a lot better off, I think. And we must have no more violence on either side of the equation.

Mike Varady

Los Angeles

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Seeing coverage of the Lakers celebration made me think I was living in an alternative reality. The jersey-wearing and flag-waving were actually part of a very rough event. While most of the crowd “behaved,” a substantial number of young adults acted like thugs, running for the entrances and pushing their way past families and children.

I was at the Coliseum with my 11-year-old son and 70-year-old mother. We were shoved from behind and saw a group of young adults crashing through an unlocked gate, ignoring a security guard and running into a group that included a young mother with a stroller. They high-fived one another. We left in disgust and out of concern for our safety.

I want to express gratitude for the police and security, but also say that getting a glimpse of some basketball players is not worth giving up one’s decency and respect for others.

Robin Pittman

Manhattan Beach

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Those who criticize the expense of the Lakers championship parade don’t get it.

Not only did the thousands lining the parade route spend some money during the event, but any officers working extra shifts surely got paid. Those who made money from the event will likely spend it, probably locally.

Fortunately, the wisdom of the masses outweighed the foolishness of the naysayers.

Jeff Nuzzi

Pasadena