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To the Editor: 

I wonder if racism or classism is fueling Ronald Regato's complaints against loud car stereos (Daily Planet, Nov. 12). Would he be so upset if he heard a three second blast of Mozart instead of Mos Def? Equally troubling is Mr. Regato's fear-mongering language. Echoing President Bush, he calls loud car music “acoustic terrorism.” Responding to his complaint, Mayor Dean proposes one of her habitual punitive solutions – fine them. Give the police more power to stop cars, not for speeding, but for music. I suppose she prefers the constant electrical hum surrounding us at all times. 

Mayor Dean and Mr. Regato, imagine you have been locked in solitary confinement for a year. Imagine when you are released, every sound produced by human activity seems glorious, including, and especially, loud car music. If that's too much of a stretch, get out and go to a club. Open your ears to the loud music, let your mind embrace it instead of bumping against it like a brick wall. 

Maris Arnold 

Berkeley