Readers React: If we can’t trust Syrian refugees, why should we trust gun owners?

To the editor: The horrific attacks in Paris leave us feeling vulnerable. Does the extreme reaction to the events in France hinge in part on the fact that these were attacks by “the other”? (“Stop the fear-mongering on Syrian refugees,” editorial, Nov. 17)

There are many parallels between these terrorism attacks and mass killings here. In both cases, the perpetrators were marginalized individuals or groups; there is a sense of anger and humiliation; notoriety and instant fame motivate; there are copy-cat attacks; and both use social media.

Do we generalize from the reprehensible actions of a small minority and paint an entire culture or country with a broad brush so that none can be trusted? Do we apply the same generalization to our own populations?

If so, we are really painting ourselves. Should we not trust students? Minorities? Men with guns? Angry public servants? The newly fired employee?

Where do we stop?

Gretchen Hays, Pacific Palisades

..

To the editor: This editorial was very misleading regarding the wisdom of allowing thousands of Syrian refugees into the U.S.

We have no secure vetting process in place to know who or what we are accepting. Fake Syrian passports are rife among the hundreds of thousands of “refugees” who have already migrated, and data on these people are hard to come by.

We cannot know who is coming onto our shores but can only accept what they and their documents tell us. The federal government is already tracking thousands of suspicious persons, so it is foolish to rush to bring in more possible attackers.

Reason dictates that we go slowly with Syrian refugees.

Richard Loftus, La Jolla

..

To the editor: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was right when he wrote President Obama, “Neither you nor any federal official can guarantee that Syrian refugees will not be part of any terroristic activity.”

By denying all Syrian immigrants entry into Texas, Abbott has shown much-needed courage in protecting his citizens. California should follow his lead.

Texas executes more people than any other state. Obviously, Texans commit a lot of murders. Neither Obama, Gov. Jerry Brown nor any other government official can guarantee that any Texan relocating to California will not commit a murder at some point in the future.

Our state should stop admitting Texans. Opening California’s door to Texans exposes us to unacceptable peril.

Matthew Friedman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: If more than half the states in this country are prepared to turn away Syrian families who are running for their lives from the bloodshed in their native land, perhaps it’s also time for us to attach a tow line to the Statue of Liberty and drag it back to France, because it apparently no longer reflects American values.

Rita Zwern, Burbank

..

To the editor: A terrorist, using a Syrian passport, entered Greece as a migrant and participated in the attacks in Paris.

U.S. governors immediately claim they don’t want to accept any migrants from Syria, although Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) might accept Christians.

When a domestic terrorist shoots innocent people in our schools, why don’t these same leaders demand an end to sales of automatic weapons or large ammunition magazines?

Marty Friedman, Manhattan Beach

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook