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 planet on a regular basis. At any time when I hear somebody interviewed on TV say, “You by no means suppose it’s going to occur to you,” I sit amazed how individuals nonetheless don’t perceive how every little thing and something is feasible on this planet.
Nobody is immune. Ever.
However in the midst of their lives, individuals 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 helpful traits of empathy, neighborhood and collective understanding.
So, it appears, tragedies serve an ironic function, 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 loss of life diminishes me, / As a result of I’m concerned in mankind. / And subsequently by no means ship to know for whom the bell tolls; / It tolls for thee.”
I might 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 folks will marvel at your power and resilience and really feel that they might by no means have completed what you’ll have to do.
These phrases I as soon as learn will describe you as none others will: Behind each robust individual, there’s a story that gave them no selection.
Jill Chapin, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Greatness in individuals comes out in the course of the worst of occasions. Tales of wonderful deeds of outright braveness by the primary responders, the fireplace 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 feel it’s necessary that we lengthen an enormous thank-you not solely to the firefighters and police who’re serving to us by means of this nightmare, but in addition to the reporters and native tv information networks.
The 24-hour protection has been outstanding and has most likely 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 approach.
And let’s bear in mind our information anchors as properly — they’ve been wonderful.
Linda Cooper, Studio Metropolis
