Yes, it is the responsibility of the parents to raise their own kids but what happens to the kids who have irresponsible parents who just don't care about their own offspring (Letter, Nov. 5).

Perhaps if the youth who need help can be reached in this current "youth outreach program" we can make progress toward a more responsible future generation. I think $9 million is a small price to pay when you consider the money saved by a responsible future generation. Examples such as welfare, Medicaid and the prison systems just to mention a few social programs that our tax dollars fund could be reduced by a good measure.

Since you know that your answer to "sterilize these so-called mothers" is not only ridicules but illegal, as well as being "insensitive and politically incorrect," let's just for a moment think that you would consider volunteering some time to helping these kids get their heads straight. That wouldn't cost the city a penny and it may open your eyes to what really is needed. There are so many good agencies that need help.

You would be surprised to know that many, many of these kids are not bad at all. They are products of that generation that has no sense of responsibility for their own actions and the only solution at this point is education of not only the kids but all those folks who think that if they don't think about the problem, it will go away. The kids are left to fend for themselves.

This is a perfect breeding ground for a gang to form, good or bad. If even a few of them can be saved don't you think they are worth it? I see the "youth outreach program" as a good gang so to speak. Let's be supportive of the kids today because it will save us all in the future.

What makes you think Los Angles has fallen to third world status? It seems pretty progressive to me.

Carol L. Williams

West Seattle