Poverty is the Crime

Having been to Rio five times in the last three years, I found the Rio de Janeiro crime article (“Flurry of Crimes Has Many Tourists Calling Rio Anything but Marvelous,” June 4) interesting. While all sources quoted offer valid explanations, I offer my own opinion. The fact is that crime against tourists of all countries, as well as crimes against fellow Brazilians, will continue as long as the economy is poor and the government does not take measures to protect tourists in the areas of Copacabana and Ipanema. These thieves steal out of economic necessity. For many, sadly, they must steal or starve. This is very different from many of the senseless, sometimes drug-crazed crimes in parts of Los Angeles. Given a choice, I would take my chances in Rio any time.

CARL DE METTER

Garden Grove