PUBLIC FORUM : BAN `HARRY POTTER'? READERS RESPOND TO THE CONTROVERSY.

As usual with people who want quick fixes to problems, they don't stop to consider the scope of the problem or how to define the boundary lines. If we eliminate ``Henry Potter'' from the classrooms, then we should also eliminate ``Sleeping Beauty,'' ``Hansel and Gretel,'' ``Snow White,'' ``The Wizard of Oz,'' etc.

People tend to go after an easy target like a single book because the real culprit is too difficult to fight. The number of children who will actually complete this book is miniscule compared to the millions of children who are influenced daily by that most beguiling of all teachers: the TV set. I find that some of the programs on the so-called ``Children's Channel'' are far worse than this book and much more graphic.

- Leonard E. McGinnis

Granada Hills

Parents need to wake up to the dangers of Harry Potter books. It is time we start seeing through the eyes of our children. What kind of a world do we want our children to see? A world that has hope and a future, or a world where revenge, dominance and killing are the norm. Harry Potter books lead our children down a path of darkness, desensitizing children to killing and revenge. What books will our children seek out next? More glorified horror? Classic literature? Will they end up in high school carrying books on Wicca (the religion of witchcraft) in their backpacks like the Columbine killers did?

- Bob Kersey 

Simi Valley 

My name is Alex, and I am 9 years old. I read all three Harry Potter books. I have enjoyed each and every word J.K. Rowling used and every thought she expressed. I personally think that J.K. Rowling did not express or use any word that might make kids believe in witchcraft or dark magic.

I do not think that schools should be banning Harry Potter. Kids should be able to read Harry Potter because there is no dark magic or witchcraft that could be talked about or used improperly in any of these books. I personally think that if Rowling thought she was using anything to offend any religion such as the Christian religion, then she would not have written these books. I hope that these books are not banned from schools because I liked them, and I know that many other kids (including my classmates) have read them and enjoyed them very much. I hope you realize that the author of the three Harry Potter books did nothing to offend anyone or use dark magic and witchcraft.

Thanks for hearing me, hopefully listening to what I say.

- Alex Cross

Woodland Hills

The notion that the Harry Potter books should be banned from schools is in itself a sinister embodiment and a thinly disguised attempt at censorship on an elementary level. Just how far will some people go to control the minds of future generations? The best thing you can do for a child is to spark his creative imagination, not stifle it with preconceived notions borne out of antiquated fears. Witchcraft, indeed.

What about tales of Merlin or the Wizard of Oz? When I was in school the works of Poe, Hawthorne, and Dickens were required reading for their literary style as well as their moral content. How a whimsical flight of fancy can be mutated into something dark and foreboding is a sign of our descent even further into paranoia. Let the kids have an opportunity to form their own opinions, unhindered by the weight of our own. But above all else, let them read!

- Daniel F. Taylor

Tujunga

Come on folks, let's ban ``Aesop's Fables,' the Brothers Grimm, Merlin and all the wonderful imaginative stories from authors throughout time that have given children something that enthralls them and holds their attention - at the same time helping them achieve the great pleasure and asset of learning to read.

To the religious fraternity opposed to poor Harry, I suggest you read your Bible: Revelations is good. I guess we'll have to cancel Halloween next.

- Paul Burgess 

Tujunga

I think that the Harry Potter books are cool and funny. Grown-ups, like the ones in your article, have not read the series and they misunderstand. In my opinion, Harry is a great character. His adventures may be frightening, but good always triumphs over evil, with laughter following close behind.

- Juliette Spirson, 10

Woodland Hills

What makes these nervous parent groups think their children are so fragile? We senior citizens (and probably a lot of those same parents) grew up reading stories about witches, wizards and magic potions. Somehow even as little kids we knew this was only a pretend world that we could temporarily enter.

I bought all 3 Harry Potter books for my grandchildren and guess what - I read them, too. They are imaginative, funny and no more harmful than the Wizard of Oz.

I would suggest that these people relax and be happy their kids are reading books. Any books.

- Vivian Charlton

Glendale

I feel that Harry Potter books are a fantastic series for children to read. I feel the series introduces children to a different level of reading where they are both benefiting from the story and are enjoying it.

As a child in school I had to read many books and usually the teacher told us that fantasy books are the best because they are more enjoyable. Now as an adult, I am having my own children read these books. These books are incredible fantasies with magic and interesting characters that draw you closer to the book, causing you to enjoy the book much more then your everyday book about a magical sorcerer.

- Sara Hagerty

Woodland Hills

I am 10 years old, and I just finished reading the first Harry Potter book. I read your article in the newspaper about how some parents think the Harry Potter books should be banned from schools. I know I am not an adult, or even close, but I still wanted you to know that I think it is important that kids can read this book because kids have an imagination and so many kids love these books a lot. I didn't think that this book was as good as some of my friends did, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

I have asked my mom and dad and many other parents if they think that Harry Potter was teaching witchcraft and all of them said no, they didn't. One parent even said she was glad her child was reading the book because her child does not read a lot.

- Sarah Grundeen

Woodland Hill

My name is Kiki Campillo. I am 11 years old and go to Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills. I have read Harry Potter, and I really think that it should not be banned. It is a really good book and it doesn't teach kids witchcraft. It just tells a story about kids who are learning it and even though it does say what the words are to cast the spell, it doesn't really work. I think it is good for children and adults (my Language Arts teacher has read all three), because it gives people courage and lets them know that they can do anything that they want to.

- Kiki Campillo

Agoura Hills

The complete Harry Potter series is published in the United State by Science Fiction Book Club. As for fantasy in general: A man who can handle alcohol in moderation is not threatened by the neighborhood saloon. It is the alcoholic who cannot handle liquor and cannot resist temptation, and his family, who is hurt by his behavior, who call for prohibition. So it is with fantasy. Some people see the world as black and white, all or nothing, good or evil. (Fundamentalist religions encourage this view.) Unable to distinguish among shades of gray, they fear them all. (It might be black!) I've noticed that adults who would ban something ``lest others be led astray,'' who seek ``to protect the children,'' are often trying to protect themselves. Lacking the physical or mental ability to handle a thing, they would deny it to everyone.

- Nancy Martsch

Sherman Oaks

I think there is nothing wrong about the Harry Potter series. They are fun to read and give you more of an imagination. I've read the first two books already. I am now on the third, and I don't think they are promoting bad thoughts about dark magic. The books have mystery, adventure, and fantasy and are good exercise for the mind. Before the parents criticize these wonderful books, they should try reading a few chapters to see there is nothing wrong with the books. And they are great page-turners.

- Ryan Tang, 10

Woodland Hills

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Photo: J.K. Rowling, author of the ``Harry Potter'' series of books, signs copies of her work. Nearly 500 parents and children came to see her at Adventures for Kids in Ventura.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer