Readers React: Weeping for the Nepalese, rejoicing for the royals

To the editor: I could not help but notice the stark contrast of two images on the first page of the World section. The top image from an article on the Nepal earthquake shows a young woman with her dislocated arm in a sling; the look of dejection on her face is obvious. (“Villagers near Nepal quake’s epicenter ponder realities of rebuilding,” May 3)

In contrast, the bottom image, from an article on the royal birth, shows a beaming Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, holding her newborn baby girl. The camera captures the overjoyed look of a new mother.

When humanity is at our best, we embrace both images and stories, both suffering and joy. On the one hand, we will reject indifference and lean in to be compassionate toward those who are suffering. We’ll “weep with those who weep,” as Scripture says.

In the same way, we’ll reject the cynicism so pervasive in our culture and “rejoice with those who rejoice.” When we embrace both stories of our humanity, both joy and suffering, we are reaching for our very best.

The Rev. Joel Larson, Valley Village

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To the editor: We have all heard about large amounts of monetary help being sent to countries in distress and then mysteriously disappearing into bureaucrats’ pockets. But I was very disappointed and surprised to read that the same thing happens in Nepal. (“Nepal quake victims fear government won’t help much, if history is guide,” May 4)

There has to be a way around this problem, or generous people are just going to be lining the pockets of dishonest leaders.

Joan Matis, Santa Monica

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