Iraq, Watts, Del Paso Heights, etc.
Will we ever learn?
Re “Is this the end of Christians in Iraq?” (Viewpoints, Dec. 30): Being a Christian Arab of Chaldean descent, I agree completely with the Detroit-based Chaldean Bishop Francis Kalabat that the plight of Christians in present Iraq is the result of the American-led invasion. I lived in Baghdad the first 22 years, and as far as I remember the Christian minority was treated with respect and admiration. Christians were never discriminated against and had the opportunity to excel in all aspects of life just like the rest of Iraqis.
All of this began to slowly disappear and is being replaced with acts of hatred and violence as U.S. interference increased. The United States followed the policy of divide-and-rule and succeeded in creating a sick society where fanatics and their hate crimes against Christians and other Iraqis thrive.
– Samira Al-Qazzaz, Carmichael
Remembering the Watts riots
Re “Fifty years after the Watts riots, we do learn, and history does matter” (Op Images, Dec. 30): I, too, remember the Watts riots, and yes, we have grown since then.
My father was a farmer in Yuba City; his parents started a business in Los Angeles to keep the farm going during the Great Depression. My dad met my mother, a pianist, in L.A., and I had a back-and-forth Northern-Southern California childhood. In 1965 we all crowded together to watch the riots on television in our small apartment in Marysville. I’ll never forget the smoke and fear I saw on TV and our confusion about the reasons behind the riot.
Yes, it’s different now. Thank goodness we care, and know that “Black lives matter.” I hope more people understand that “Blue lives matter” while at the same time asking for accountability in police forces.
Excellent photo choice for your essay. Keep writing!
– Lyra Halprin, Davis
Where’s the outrage?
Re “Four hurt by gunfire in Del Paso Heights” (Our Region, Dec. 29): Where is the outrage over this shooting? Will we see protests in the streets demanding that something be done to get guns off the streets and out of the hands of our young men? Will we see people marching in the streets demanding that every child have access to a good education, from preschool through college? Will we see a groundswell of change in the way we raise our children, teaching them respect for their fellow man?
I hope so, but unfortunately, in reality, I don’t foresee any of these things happening. How sad.
– Katy Pridy, Jackson
Blame terrorists, not government
Re “How no-ransom policy led to slayings of U.S. hostages” (Page A1, Dec. 28): Blame the terrorists, not the government. To condemn the government for the murder of these men is wrong. All blame rests with the kidnappers for these atrocities.
– Marie Bain, Sacramento
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This story was originally published December 31, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Iraq, Watts, Del Paso Heights, etc.."