What does King say to us today?

Re “The true King,” editorial, April 4

In criticizing the L.A. County Board of Supervisors’ resolution declaring a 40-hour moratorium on violence, The Times fails to mention that it was specifically directed at gang-related homicides. During another crisis, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The country needs, and unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”

The editorial does not state what actions the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called for, organized and orchestrated to demand change during his life. Perhaps The Times has forgotten that frequently it was the “symbolic” protests that King organized that brought about change. We have to try something, and if it fails, try something else to reduce our current crisis of gang violence and homicides.

Stephen Kelley

Los Angeles

Re “The prophetic anger of MLK,” Opinion, April 4

Michael Eric Dyson talks about King tempering his words before a white audience but letting black people hear the full weight of his anger and outrage toward white America. Look at the administration’s reaction to Hurricane Katrina if you want to know if things have changed for the better for blacks and poor people. I understand King’s doubts and feel that love and anger are necessary for change. His reference to World War II internment camps made me realize that today’s prisons are our concentration camps. One of the fastest-growing construction industries is prison-building. Yes, we need outrage, hope and love to bring this country to a better place for all.

Vicki Fleming

Manhattan Beach