Letters
Measured praise for FBI Director Louis Freeh I read with great interest your in-depth profile of Louis Freeh, the current FBI director in "Turf wars ensnare plain-talking FBI chief" (Oct. 1).
Based on your illuminating article I would not want this director to leave his post. It was particularly touching and even humorous to read of Freeh's terrific involvement with his six young children, including his baby.
At Waco, a slew of potentially devastating scenarios was apparently left unaddressed. No fire trucks were present, thereby making the presence of pyrotechnic grenades truly a serious safety concern. Firefighting equipment in fact was located over 10 miles away, making it questionable why no normal building demolition procedures and processes were in place prior to the tank bombardment of the Davidian complex.
The methods and tactics of Ruby Ridge show a police force out of control. The agency's bungling of the Yosemite California murders and its current reluctance to prosecute the two young men responsible for the synagogue fires in Sacramento is baffling.
Perhaps this reluctance, however, is indicative of the FBI's more measured, and careful approach these days - a positive sign.
There have been many instances where this agency has acted as a great force for good, securing our safety, much of which we probably may not even read about.
All organizations should strive to improve their fairness, honesty, safety, etc. It is right that investigations into harmful practices go forward so that terrible mistakes are not repeated. Paula Caracristi, Sacramento, Calif.
Another answer to foreign aid question Mr. Bandow observes, in his discontent with the foreign aid program, that such aid "has flowed freely ... to virtually every country that has descended into anarchy and/or war" ("The case against foreign aid," Sept. 29).
While it is undeniably shameful that much of it may have been stolen, it is odd that no mention is made by Mr. Bandow about how much of it may have found its way back to the US defense industry - the world's largest - for the purchase of arms to fight those wars.
Perhaps Mr. Bandow and the CATO Institute have no objection to that particular use of the money. R. Peterson, St. Paul, Minn.
Marching for a good cause In "What would you march for?" (Sept. 24), Daniel Baer seeks to rouse the younger generation to rally around the issue of gun control. He is convincing.
The events in Colorado last spring, as well as subsequent tragedies, should have the effect of changing the paradigm concerning gun control. And it is an issue that should resonate with particular import to young people.
Two of my nieces live in Littleton; the eldest will be in high school soon. Their right to attend school in a gun-free environment is incontrovertible.
The question is when will society at large be sufficiently motivated to demand action? Here young people may hold more power than they realize.
With concealed weapons permits on the rise in many areas, we should perish the thought that the wild-west mentality is still alive with modern-day paladins believing that safety lies in possessing firearms.
Young people can and must change this rationale. I think I hear some young people on the march now! Hopefully, they will allow a sidekick from another generation to join in their ranks.
May I be present Mr. Baer with my card: Have Nikes. Will travel. Linda Katz, Huntington Beach, Calif.
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