Abby Sunderland’s around-the-world sailing bid; deadly high-speed pursuits; cutting back on library hours in L.A.

Making waves

Re “Sailor’s parents unswayed by critics,” June 12

As a solo sailor with thousands of miles under the keel, and as a father of five, I can’t tell you how incensed I am at Abby Sunderland’s teenage prank.

First, who says sailing when you are talking to daddy on the satellite phone every few hours is “solo” sailing?

Second, who says a child adrift in a dismasted vessel in the Indian Ocean is “safe”?

Finally, isn’t child endangerment a crime in California?

The whole enterprise is idiotic, as is the society that encourages such behavior. I pray she gets home safe. Then somebody needs to give her parents a good spanking.

John W. Conrad

Riverside

We have heard from many so-called child-rearing experts decrying the Sunderlands for letting Abby go on this journey.

From what I have read about the family, the Sunderlands are the real child-rearing experts.

I don’t know about the other siblings, but Abby and her brother, Zac, appear to be hardworking, bright and exceptionally courageous. They didn’t get that way by spending long days hanging out at the mall.

Dave Riley

Laguna Woods

Abby says she is looking forward to another around-the-world attempt.

I have a suggestion to end such nonsense: Send her family a bill for the cost of the rescue.

Bill Simpson

Rancho Palos Verdes

I find the story about Abby to be both inspiring and shocking.

I am also 16, and I consider myself a very determined person, yet I cannot imagine making the decision to set out alone on such unpredictable seas.

I also cannot imagine my generally supportive parents allowing me to undertake such a challenge.

That said, I am incredibly impressed by her expertise, independence and courage, and hope that she will have the support she needs to handle the disappointment of having to cut her journey short, and the possible trauma of facing her mortality at such a young age.

Kendall Youngman

Coto de Caza

The world breathed a collective sigh of relief at hearing the news that Abby is fine.

The loss of Abby’s boat is a disappointment. Still, Abby’s courage and determination are admirable. Her parents are to be commended for putting their fears aside and allowing their daughter to pursue her dream.

Goals worth pursuing are never safe or easy. Some say she is too young; others, that women and girls shouldn’t be adventurous. Thanks to people like Abby, such archaic myths are being laid to rest.

Lloyd Forrester

Simi Valley

Enough with the pursuits

Re “Father absolves police in death,” and “CHP officer dies in crash during pursuit in Redlands,” June 12

Last week saw the death of a 6-year-old in L.A. and a California Highway Patrol officer in Redlands. These are by no means the first innocents injured or killed due to these pursuits.

What will it take before we realize what others already have: that unless the perpetrator is actively trying to harm people, these chases create much more risk than they eliminate? Will a crash through a schoolyard full of preschoolers be enough?

The motto of many police departments is “Protect and Serve,” and most do an excellent job living up to it. However, speeding to catch a perpetrator is not protecting anyone, especially the officers involved.

Other localities have realized this and have banned or severely limited pursuits. The rest of us need to do the same.

Chris Daly

Yucaipa, Calif.

More than places with books

Re “On the road to being a citizen,” and “L.A. libraries to be cut to 5 days a week,” June 11

What’s wrong with this picture?

On Page AA4 we read that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is promoting a new program for immigrants: They will be able to access information about becoming citizens from libraries and recreation centers. An outstanding idea, since Immigration Services is notoriously backlogged and inefficient.

However, also on Page AA4, we read that His Honor announces that libraries will soon be open only five days a week. This, along with recently shortened hours, makes it even more difficult for people who are lucky enough to have a full-time job to take advantage of this offer. Does the right hand know what the left is doing?

Lee Soskin

Studio City

I am 66 and single. I grew up with libraries. The first club I ever joined was called “We Never Ask, We Look it Up.” I met men for study dates in the library. Over the years I have frequented two branches. The librarians I’ve dealt with have become like surrogate family members.

With the reduction in hours, I feel as if a vital part of me has been surgically removed — without my permission.

Having libraries open for only five days means I’m going to have to reorganize my borrowing habits (no easy feat for a senior). The sense of loss and violation I feel is echoed throughout the population who rely on the library for shelter and other needs.

Where is all of this headed, and what will be the cost? I shudder to think that a service that provides so much is looked on as a luxury.

Ruth Kramer Ziony

Los Feliz

Outdone by the communists

Re “What energy policy?,” Opinion, June 11

Gee. Communist China, once our implacable foe and a heinous example of the evils of a planned economic system, is cleaning our clock in developing and adopting alternative energy technology.

Back in the capitalist United States, leaders of major for-profit firms like Microsoft, General Electric, DuPont, Lockheed and Xerox are openly calling for state subsidies and central planning to avoid being left in the dust in this vital technical area, while the Gulf of Mexico slowly fills with oil and century-old U.S. oil companies crank out record profits.

Meanwhile, a U.S. firm is shifting solar panel production to China, noting: “Today, our customer market is in Asia.”

Looks like it’s evening in America!

Randall Smith

San Diego

Their homes are castles

Re “A wealth of millionaires,” and “Home sale in Bel-Air a record for 2010,” June 11

We read about a $70,000 cellphone; that millionaires are in resurgence, both here and abroad; and that a Bel-Air palace just sold for more than $50million. But it’s telling that mortgage interest rates, near historic lows, still aren’t enough to jump start the vast less-than-$1million real estate market in California, which is basically road kill, run over by high taxes, dysfunctional government and unemployment.

Isn’t it ironic that the only people who can help us out of this jam — our elected politicians — must be millionaires to even mount a campaign?

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Mark Karagianis

Northridge

Covering Lohan

Re “Lohan posts $200,000 bail on arrest warrant,” June 9

Kudos to The Times for your coverage of Lindsay Lohan’s recent run-in with the justice system.

In return for being force-fed this inane story of an insipid so-called actress, you at least had the foresight to use a photo of her showing ample cleavage in a dress that still managed to hide her ankle monitor. Well done!

Todd Koerner

Hermosa Beach