Readers React: Fear and terrorism: Is complete safety even possible?

To the editor: No, we cannot control the words and actions of others, whether they are our fellow Americans or those that make up 95% of the rest of our world. But we can and do control how we respond to their words and actions. (“How not to treat terror anxiety,” Opinion, Dec. 23)

If we choose (yes, choose) to be terrorized by the bad behavior of others, then we will suffer the consequences, and there are many. But if we choose to recognize there is no time, place or concept of perfect safety (nor would we actually want it), then and only then can we enjoy the many wonderful aspects of life with realistic concerns about the real potentials for danger and harm.

It is my hope we citizens and voters remember this when we go about our daily lives by driving more safely, managing our weight, abstaining from cigarettes, drinking in moderation, sharing joy and kindness with others who share our skin tone, language and religion and those who do not — and then vote responsibly for candidates who understand this reality and have the priorities and policies that can improve our lives.

Ben Tenn, Northridge

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To the editor: Op-Ed author Eyal Winter correctly states that politicians never mention that Westerners are more likely to drown in a bathtub than die in a terrorist attack. If they did, maybe we would spend more on education and healthcare than weapons.

Art Gittleman, Huntington Beach

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