To the editor: I write this with out pause.
I stay in Pasadena, not removed from the Eaton fireplace. My mind is presently processing the horrific events in Los Angeles County and the way these catastrophic occasions are merely what occurs on the earth on a regular basis. Each time I hear somebody interviewed on TV say, “You by no means suppose it’s going to occur to you,” I sit amazed how folks nonetheless don’t perceive how all the pieces and something is feasible on this planet.
Nobody is immune. Ever.
However in the middle of their lives, folks change into myopic, blind to the pure world round them. They appear to focus extra on their private “journeys” and far much less on the bigger, extra beneficial traits of empathy, group and collective understanding.
So, it appears, tragedies serve an ironic objective, utilizing human ache and struggling to function a real “epiphany” to reevaluate our lives and reset our priorities.
Our fellow denizens may want meals, shelter or somebody to listen to them. Sure, it would intervene with our plans for tomorrow, however because the poet John Donne wrote: “Any man’s dying diminishes me, / As a result of I’m concerned in mankind. / And due to this fact by no means ship to know for whom the bell tolls; / It tolls for thee.”
I’d solely rephrase it to say that every man’s struggling diminishes me, for I’m concerned in mankind.
Forgive me, Los Angeles. I simply volunteered to prepare dinner for the firefighters. Hopefully, it doesn’t cease right here. Love you, L.A.
Scott Dovale, Pasadena
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To the editor: To those that misplaced their properties, I say you’ll get well, and other people will marvel at your energy and resilience and really feel that they might by no means have carried out what you’ll have to do.
These phrases I as soon as learn will describe you as none others will: Behind each robust particular person, there’s a story that gave them no selection.
Jill Chapin, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Greatness in folks comes out through the worst of occasions. Tales of fantastic deeds of outright braveness by the primary responders, the hearth division, the police and neighbors within the fireplace zones are being reported.
Congratulations to the L.A. Instances for excellent protection of this horrible tragedy. Simply the images alone inform the story with out having to learn the excellently written articles. However I learn them, and I imagine excellent journalism has come again to this newspaper.
Thanks.
Michael Moore, Chino Hills
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To the editor: I believe it’s vital that we prolong an enormous thank-you not solely to the firefighters and police who’re serving to us via this nightmare, but in addition to the reporters and native tv information networks.
The 24-hour protection has been outstanding and has in all probability saved lives. How fortunate we’re to have such diligent, on-the-spot reporters and digital camera crews who journey from fireplace to fireplace in such a heroic manner.
And let’s bear in mind our information anchors as properly — they’ve been superb.
Linda Cooper, Studio Metropolis
