Holding our peace

Re Thousands drawn to free speech rally and protests (June 5): Students learn in U.S. Government 101 that no matter how odious they may find another persons opinions, that persons speech is protected by our Constitution under the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech.

Students must be prepared to become educated (not indoctrinated) to a particular point of view. If they disagree, they should engage their opponents in civil discourse rather than in violent confrontations. No, we dont have to respect those who voice opinions we find repugnant, but lets hold our peace while they present them. Then, when its our turn to voice our opinion, lets ask them to render the same courtesy to us we gave to them.

David Quintero, Monrovia

Feeling the heat

We are appreciative of Larry Wilsons column (June 7) on his day with Pasadena Fire Department training, called Fire Ops 101, at Station 33. Our department offers this opportunity so residents can see what their public safety professionals do in our jobs while protecting everyone in Pasadena.

Fire Ops 101 allows community leaders to step into the boots of local firefighters to feel the heat and to have a hands-on experience as a firefighter to get an up-close view of what its like to do our dangerous jobs.

We encourage everybody to take advantage of these and other events to interact with public safety employees and get, as Mr. Wilson aptly wrote, the chance to understand what it is to be put in harms way every day for your job.

Scott Austin, president, Pasadena Firefighters Local 809

Donations or bribes?

Though Gary Cliffords of Athens Services wrote in defense of his company (June 7), I believe what reporter Christopher Yee was referring to in his article on the state controllers audit of South El Monte, and what your editorial (June 1) is referring to, is the continued practice of Athens contributing to the campaign of candidates running for city council in cities where they have trash-hauling contracts.

This is not just a South El Monte issue but a problem for other cities as well.

Dont tell me a politician will not be influenced on contracts when money (bribes) is being put in their pockets.

Please take five minutes out of your time and google Athens Services and city trash-hauling contracts and see for yourselves!

Ken Mikkelson, West Covina

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Respect their freedom of speech, and they should respect yours: Letters - The Pasadena Star-News