On the roots of the attacks in Norway; bicycles in L.A.; and Lancaster’s City Council prayer policy

Beauty and the bush

Re “Don’t be fooled by its beauty,” July 24

Thanks for the report on the poodle-dog bush. Unfortunately, it came about three weeks too late for me.

I was eager to go hiking in the Angeles National Forest on my favorite trails after the highway reopened. That day, I noticed some beautiful plants and even took pictures to show my family.

I had no idea the colorful plants were poisonous, and because they had grown so tall along the trails, I brushed them back with my arms and legs as I went by.

I hiked to the Vetter Mountain lookout, where I happened to meet a ranger on duty. He told me about the plants, but of course, it was too late. Within two days I had a painful, burning, itching rash. I had to see a doctor and get on a steroid regimen. Weeks later, there are still traces of the rash on my arms and legs.

This beautiful plant has a dark side. I hope articles like this can help others — I saw no warnings at the

trail head or at the ranger substation.

Bill Komar

La Crescenta

A rush to judge on Norway

Re “Terror from the right,” Editorial, July 26

Thank you, Los Angeles Times, for calling out the hate-inspirers among us whose very existence depends on cynical hostility toward Muslims.

But how about the media outlets that, as usual, tripped over each other to “unveil” the reasons behind this tragic act of terrorism in Norway while summarily assuming the perpetrators to be Muslims?

Hateful bloggers will continue to preach to their limited choirs, but the supposedly objective broadcast news media, with a much larger audience, have the solemn responsibility to pause, confirm and report before getting seduced by the hyper-urgency of “expert opinionating.”

Pervaiz Anwar

Irvine

Perhaps there has been too much said already about the atrocious killings in Norway by a man who has been described as a right-wing extremist.

The world’s outrage is well placed, but I noticed two things that happened, or did not happen.

First was the rush to judgment blaming Muslim extremists for the random violence on innocents. The Times editorial spoke out appropriately on that issue.

Second, I have heard little publicly declared outrage by mainstream Islamic spokespersons.

I think that only when the Muslim communities around the world stiffen their backs and say, out loud, that terrorism is not acceptable, for any group and any cause, will they be truly respected.

The ball is in their court.

Daryal Gant

La Crescenta

Many Republican lawmakers today identify themselves as Christians and characterize their base as Christian. Yet I find their insistence on lower taxes for corporations and the rich and their blind refusal to grant gays the benefits inherent in the right of marriage, which many of us take for granted, moralistically repugnant and anything but Christian.

To me, a true Christian tries to be Christlike, giving relief to the poor, empathizing with others and lending a helping hand whenever possible.

Elevating pseudo-moralistic bombast to the point at which little kids march against gay marriage, and continuing two unwinnable wars costing billions, while proclaiming the need to cut domestic aid programs for our

neediest citizens is to

me not only un-Christian and illogical but totally terrifying.

Janis Hansen Klinger

Sherman Oaks

Cyclists on L.A.’s mean streets

Re “Pedal power,” Editorial, July 22

Using a bicycle as a sole means of transportation is a dangerous proposition in L.A. That’s why I confine my riding to exercise.

When I’m in San Clemente, it’s pure bicycle heaven. There are miles of bike paths that offer some of the best biking experiences in the region.

I don’t know how people even build up the courage to ride Angeles Crest Highway, for instance, with its heavy car and motorcycle traffic.

Trying to make Los Angeles safe for bicycles is a tall order, and riders need to take that into account.

Andre Radnoti

Los Angeles

Every day I encounter bicyclists riding in the street who suddenly dart into crosswalks or sidewalks to keep moving ahead in spite of a red light or slow traffic, then go back out on the street again.

My teen is learning to think about all possibilities as she learns to drive a car, yet when it comes to her encounters with bicyclists, I am particularly

concerned.

The Los Angeles Police Department should treat violations by cyclists and motorists with equal

attention.

Kathleen Salomon

Los Angeles

It may be a crime to harass a cyclist, and certainly it’s a crime to hit one. But one has to wonder if some L.A. cyclists secretly have a death wish.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t ride in the middle of the road at night dressed head to toe in black, with no helmet, reflective strips or medallions on their bikes and no front or rear lights. On dimly lit city streets, they’re almost invisible until a driver is right on top of them.

Tom Ogden

Hollywood

A shout-out to The Times for this editorial.

As you accurately point out, cycling as a sport, and as a means of transportation, is growing in our city at a rapid rate.

Cycling has all the benefits you point out and more. During “Carmaggeddon,” the number of cyclists on the streets was substantially larger than a normal weekend.

The mayor and the City Council have shown great resolve over the last six months. The most important thing at this point is to educate the public about cyclists’ rights on our roads.

Jay Slater

Los Angeles

The writer is the chairman of the LA Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Prayer in a public place

Re “God and Lancaster,” Editorial, July 24

Regarding the Lancaster City Council using sectarian prayers to open its meetings, you say, “The council should request non-denominational prayers — in the spirit of reaching out to everyone.”

Evidently you don’t think the word “everyone” includes the non-theistic.

Ray Sherman

Duarte

Allowing a prayer before a public meeting is not equivalent to “a law establishing religion,” given the absence of any compelling policy or procedure of the governmental body to otherwise establish or enforce the religion implied by the prayer.

There is no guarantee that any few individuals have a right not to “feel marginalized” through hearing words they can just as easily ignore.

Government cannot be sensitive to every feeling that any citizen might choose to apply to any situation.

Mel Wolf

Burbank

The House of Representatives and Senate open business with a prayer. Judging from their recent work, both bodies are Godforsaken!

Robert Banning

Pasadena

I have a religiously diverse family. At get-togethers, we have an understanding that neither religion nor politics will be discussed.

Evidently, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris has not grasped this concept. He recklessly combines both.

It is the height of arrogance to assume that evoking one’s deity in prayer is acceptable to everyone, especially to those who do not have the same beliefs or are atheist.

Perhaps by eliminating prayer it would make all citizens of Lancaster feel welcome at city meetings.

Larry Tamblyn

Palmdale