Makah Indians’ Whale Hunt

Congratulations to the Makah Indians! They have revived their cherished cultural tradition of hunting gray whales from powerboats using modern harpoons and .50-caliber rifles (May 18). Perhaps now we will at last see the revival of other noble American traditions, such as shooting buffalo from moving trains or plinking bald eagles out of the sky from helicopters.

JOHN NELSON

Santa Monica

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So the Makah Indians finally got their whale. Now they can eat it.

CARL V. MORONEY

Los Angeles

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If the Makah have the right to kill whales, the other tribes should have the right to hunt buffalo and club baby seals. Men from all walks of life could beat their wives when they need to be disciplined, and we can force anyone weaker than ourselves into slavery, because that’s the way it has been done for thousands of years. Wake up, people. There comes a time to let go of certain cultural practices, especially when they harm people or our Mother Earth.

SHERRY GREENE

Castaic

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After unscrupulous government representatives shamelessly broke countless honorable, worthwhile treaties with numerous tribes, our treaty with the Makah Indians regarding the hunting of gray whales is one I joyously would have endorsed breaking.

STEVE SMITH

San Gabriel