Eruv wasn't right

As a Jewish man myself, the provincial tone of Guy Havive's letter regarding the eruv (the Jewish boundary marker in Oak Park) was embarrassing to me. In an era in which teaching our youth diversity is celebrated, how did ethnic separatism become a cause celeb? Havive is unmoved by the unsightly, hazardous and downright tacky appearance of fishing line strung from pole to pole and apparently believes that Gentiles, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other progressive Jews like me don't have a right to participate in decisions that apply to the aesthetics of our entire community and should quietly subordinate. It is a sad thing when one who, I am guessing, would hyperventilate at the sight of a Christmas tree waxes oblivious to the sensibilities of others. I guess he figures that there are always more birds, as his comments express disregard for those killed by the eruv as well. It may come as a surprise to Havive, but there are many of us who cherish the ethnic diversity of Agoura Hills and have no desire to see it become an Eastern European-style ghetto. Mr. Havive does not have a divine right to impose his superstitions on others, and I can tell him from personal experience that he can walk anywhere he pleases on the Sabbath carrying whatever he wants and he will not be struck by lightening. If he chooses to do otherwise that is his choice alone.

I'm afraid that when Mr. Havive was told he was among the Chosen People, he took it a bit too literally. Larry Brown Agoura Hills