In Search of Solutions

This is probably the last letter I’ll ever write to The Times, since after more than 30 years in this city, I am for the first time seriously considering joining the “flight” described in today’s paper--permanently.

I am writing because of the article by Jocelyn Y. Stewart (“South L.A. and the Valley: Worlds Apart,” Times Valley Edition, May 2), a well-written piece that clearly and succinctly describes a personal viewpoint no rational person could contest.

I, as a Caucasian, cannot possibly fully understand the plight of the African-American. She cannot possibly fully understand the position of my kind. But I am convinced that, as members of the human race, it wouldn’t be so difficult for us to live in harmony.

But I just refuse to feel guilty for the neatness of my lawn, or the cleanliness of my environs. And I have seen many, many people of other nationalities and cultures, and of lesser means, who obviously share my convictions. This has very little to do with “racial” connotations.

The force that started this nightmare may have been racial and social and economic injustice, but the ensuing riots can only be attributed to a declaration of war between us (the law-abiding majority) and them (the criminal element--still a minority, no matter how you measure it).

And it would be truly un-American to surrender. So if a war must be fought, let’s use all of our available weapons: law and reason first, of course, but real force as the ultimate recourse, when it is determined that our very survival is at stake. We simply cannot allow the hoodlums and thugs to dictate our lives.

Jocelyn Stewart, as well as other writers in today’s issue, and a lot of the citizens of our city, state and nation, may be very close to being pushed over the edge, but justice will triumph and the criminals will, in the end, fail.

NELSON FAY, Encino