Bombing Aftermath

Your thought-provoking and soul-searching articles and editorials on the effects and causes of the atrocity in Oklahoma lead me to wonder about the state of our union.

Which will prevail? Restraint or violence? Peace or anger? Hope or desperation? Respect or contempt? Equality or injustice? Understanding or intolerance? Reason or prejudice? Integrity or corruption? Truth or lies? Care or neglect? Love or hate? Good or evil?

Fascists always profess to be the best friend of God, country and the working people, even as they lead their fellows to material and spiritual ruin. I have an abiding faith that America is too wise and good for that.

DOUG DRENKOW

Arcadia

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Let me get this straight: President Clinton wants to broaden federal law enforcement powers; and Larry Potts--officially censured by the FBI for his ignominious role in the Weaver case in Idaho that resulted in the shooting death of a pregnant woman (holding her infant son) by an FBI sniper--is appointed to the “number two” post by FBI Director Louis Freeh and Atty. Gen. Janet Reno (May 3).

Frightening.

ALLEN M. JUINIO

Artesia

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I was not one of those interviewed for the Times poll on terrorism (April 30) so I will say my piece here.

If we keep giving the police and armed forces more and more power to fight terrorism, we may end up like Latin America, where they are the terrorists.

FLAVIO CIFERRI

San Clemente

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The problem is that law enforcement cannot stop random terrorism; it is a reality of our times. The future attack on terrorism can be sustained within the laws that are presently on the record. The public must not give up individual rights no matter how bad terrorism gets, or how much safety is promised by our politicians. They are not guaranteeing any level of performance for these forgone rights. If it happens again, they will blame current laws and ask for more power.

Before any legislation is undertaken, let us all take a few breaths. Common sense should be the order of the day. Not runaway emotionalism.

BRIAN C. ROCHELEAU

North Hills