I'm writing in response to Barbara Warkentien's Aug. 23 letter, "Both sides were at fault over the Holocaust incident at Goebel Center."

Contacting Andrea Koval to request clarification of the flier and contents of John Bravos' class on the Holocaust, in my opinion, wouldn't have been worth the effort after hearing her response to Honey Bencomo that there are many who do not believe in the Holocaust.

Anyone who believes in that mode of thinking would have spouted "freedom of speech" and probably wouldn't have been open to question.

I, too, believe in freedom of speech if it pertains to the truth and not opinion, unless it's so stated as opinion. If Mr. Bravos sought the use of his class to spur interest and reveal fallacies, he certainly accomplished this by his own statements.

It's not true that only the Jewish people can fully perceive the horror and cruelty of the Holocaust and should be the ones to represent a public discussion.

There are many of varying faiths other than Judaism who are knowledgeable. Try the Germans themselves. Try professors at universities. Try those with "heart."

Daniel P. Brown, a history professor at Moorpark College, a non-Jew and author of the book "The Beautiful Beast," is known for his expertise on history, including the Holocaust.

Erika Falkenreck, a retired professor of Holocaust studies in Germany, a non-Jew also, not only teaches the Holocaust to students in Germany but was invited to give a lengthy paper on that very subject at American University in Washington, D.C.

Those with heart, the families of Catholics, gypsies, handicapped and developmentally disabled people whose loved ones were also gassed inthe years leading up to and during World War II are also qualified to speak on the Holocaust.

In closing, I'd like to quote the Talmud: "Don't use the conduct of a fool as a precedent." Linda Kern Westlake Village