Defeating terror around world is still Bush's goal

The Sun's editorial "Dead or alive" (Oct. 14) shows that The Sun hasn't really understood the missions of the United States since last Sept. 11.

President Bush made it quite clear that our priorities were ousting the Taliban from Afghanistan, smashing al-Qaida and its worldwide network and challenging terrorism wherever it occurs.

The news media frenzy over Osama bin Laden must have confused the editorial writers into thinking Mr. Bush was concerned only with bin Laden. They need to go back and listen to the president's words.

However, the people of our country understand that our real goal has always been to smash the al-Qaida network. That goal will remain our priority until it is achieved.

The Sun should be ashamed to imply that our president ignores al-Qaida to press the attack on the demon of Baghdad.

The Sun's editorial writers ignore the continuing efforts to smash al-Qaida worldwide as they criticize the administration's effort to prevent Saddam Hussein from realizing his goal of using weapons of massive destruction against the free world.

R. Marshner

Towson

An attack on Iraq would be pure folly

And so the madness continues. After the CIA informs us that Iraq is most likely to attack our troops or Israel with biological and chemical weapons if we attack it, we then learn from defense analysts that we are unprepared for such a response ("U.S. troops lack equipment for chem-bio war," Oct. 15). And yet we proceed toward an invasion.

I often think that if only we could write about the present international situation using fictitious names for countries to defuse the emotions with which the real names are laden - country A versus countries B, C, D, etc. -- most people would think differently about the entire situation.

And the absolute folly of invasion of Iraq by the United States, alone and pre-emptive, to effect a "regime change" would surely shine through.

Sylvia Eastman

Baltimore

Focus on America's domestic issues

I think it is time our leaders put common sense before their own political agendas and ambitions. To involve the United States in a war that will surely cost this country numerous lives and billions of dollars is totally ludicrous ("Bush gains free hand in dealing with Iraq," Oct. 12).

Surely, it would be more prudent to concentrate on the important domestic issues which face our country.

It is funny how our leaders can always find money for bombs, but constantly look for ways to cut programs which benefit citizens in need.

Keith F. Kelley

Lutherville

A better view of the Basilica?

If the Archdiocese of Baltimore plans to demolish the Rochambeau Apartments to improve the view of the Basilica of the Assumption ("Archdiocese buys building to expand Basilica grounds," Oct. 5), why did it construct the building that houses "Our Daily Bread" and the neighboring parking garage alongside the Basilica, thereby destroying a lovely view of the church from the corner of Cathedral and Franklin streets?

I suggest demolishing the two newer edifices and preserving the Rochambeau.

Daniel A. Kuc

Baltimore

In the Middle Ages, at the height of its power, the Roman Catholic Church built magnificent cathedrals. These dominated the landscape of the region surrounding them.

No other building could interrupt the view of these edifices. They made an awesome statement. Behold the power of the church.

Now it appears we in Baltimore will be treated to a similar experience, whether we want it or not.

Paul D. Kemp

Baltimore

Using 'partial truths' on Ehrlich's record

I have seen several quotes attributed to The Sun in Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's campaign ads.

I suggest she use a quote from The Sun's column called "Campaign Ad Watch" ("Funding education tops GOP's agenda," Oct. 11):

"The facts: While Townsend has correctly cited votes ... she has also used partial truths about [Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s] record."

Marie Mullen

Joppa

President is wrong on gun database

I am just sickened by President Bush's opposition to ballistic fingerprinting ("House unanimously backs bill to improve gun-buyer screening," Oct. 16).

We have billions for a missile defense system, but we don't have money to make gun fingerprinting accurate?

The president seems to care more about the killers' privacy than the security of the American people.

James Yuan

Clarksville

Ballistic database will not stop crime

The Sun's article "Ballistic 'fingerprint' database isn't foolproof tool, experts say," (Oct. 15) raises an interesting question:

Since Maryland has a ballistic database for handguns sold in this state, it would be good to know how effective that law is.

Is the handgun database being used? Has it led to any arrests or convictions?

The Sun could do a more thorough review.

This proposal for a rifle database is just a liberal political campaign idea that will not stop or solve any crime.

Larry Johnston

Hereford

Picture of victim was appalling

The Sun's Oct. 15 front-page photograph of the body in the parking lot of a Home Depot was deplorable. It was completely insensitive to the pain and suffering the victim's family must be going through.

I am sure you could have sold just as many papers without stooping to sensationalizing such a tragic event.

Iris Hetmanski

Baltimore

While I understand the importance of being on top of the sniper shootings, I found most appalling the photo on the Oct. 15 front page, showing the shooting victim.

By now, many citizens understand what "gunned down" means, and we certainly do not need to see a picture of the victim on the front page.

Please show restraint and respect for the victims in the future.

Ina Patel

Baltimore

What kind of insensitivity allowed The Sun to run the front-page photo of sniper victim Linda Franklin as she lay dead on the parking lot pavement?

Her life ended so tragically. Certainly, she deserved dignity in death.

How sadly cruel of The Sun to deny that to her.

Dorothy C. Baker

Timonium