Prosecute ‘Bully’ Gangs Like Others

* The Orange County Sheriff’s Department calls the activity of the so-called bully gangs “recreation” and has stepped up “monitoring” (Oct. 15).

The department apparently does not consider these groups as dangerous as traditional gangs, but they are wrong. These individuals harass, threaten and attack anyone they consider “different.”

They target people who have a different sexual orientation, ethnic, racial or religious background from themselves. These gangs are dangerous criminals, but local law enforcement and school officials consider them “thugs” or “bullies.”

Well, “thugs” like this killed Matthew Shepard in Wyoming, and the residents of South County should be aware that the same thing could happen in their own backyard. The so-called bully gangs are criminals and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unlike Wyoming, California does have laws dealing with “hate crimes.” However, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department sees fit only to monitor these activities.

FELISA IHLY

Aliso Viejo

* “Bully” gangs? Let’s call them what they are: gangs.

It shouldn’t matter that these teens are white, wealthy or simply bored; they’re criminals.

Pipe beating, stabbing, robbery and assault on a 92-year-old woman. What’s happening, are we afraid to say, “We have a gang problem”?

BETH HARDING

Mission Viejo