To the editor: The Times’ opposition to the Los Angeles City Council’s 100-yard buffer ordinance — in essence, on the grounds that public officials implicitly “trade off” their right to quiet, safe enjoyment of their homes when they sign on, and people are going to break the new law just like they break the old one, so why bother — bespeaks an utterly ivory-tower outlook that ignores real-time, real-world dynamics as well as basic human decency.
Members of the editorial board should venture forth and experience first-hand the difference between being 100 feet and 100 yards from a slavering horde — whether antifa or MAGA — that can easily overpower law enforcement in an instant. They should try working at their kitchen tables with their families surrounded by an enraged mob within in easy brick, bottle and handgun range.
No one should be expected to function — much less serve the public, which includes their critics — in such conditions. The Times apparently recognizes that the 1st Amendment doesn’t require it; neither should our city.
G. Andrew Lundberg, Pacific Palisades
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To the editor: Over the last several years, the 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council have been elevated to kings and queens, and their districts have become their very own fiefdoms. Our council members have been shielded from us by a tight inner circle of deputies, a circle of special interest groups, another circle of city bureaucracy and finally social distancing rules because of COVID-19.
It has become impossible for us peasants to talk to our council members and feel confident they heard us.
A politician’s family and home is customarily off limits to protests, but this council has been tone deaf and ineffective on every major issue that has gripped the city. Angelenos are tired of not being heard, so the only option left is for them to protest outside of their council members’ homes.
I do not support the protest activity at all, but passing a law that infringes on the right to protest will further isolate council members from their constituents. They should should get “back to basics” by getting out of City Hall, walking their districts, engaging their constituents and listening to them.
Angelenos need to know they are being heard.
Ken Walsh, Los Angeles
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