THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 8, 1995 TAG: 9506080004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
It is impossible to remain silent at the gross distortion of reality promulgated by Stephen J. Olzinski (``Backyard socialism,'' letter, May 22). While I agree that neither Rush Limbaugh nor the Republican National Party share any responsibility for the Oklahoma City bombing, there is no way Janet Reno can be held personally responsible for the deaths at Waco. It was the Branch Davidians who murdered those children and no one else. They set the fires, not the FBI or the ATF agents.
The overheated, pin-headed rhetoric must stop. Those responsible for Oklahoma City must pay the maximum penalty.
And we need to expect responsibility in our discourse as well as our actions. Comments about the federal government murdering 24 children are irresponsible bosh. Yes, a public investigation should be commissioned, and a report made to the American public. But enough information has been released to know this: The officers acted in good faith, even if stupidly. The several who died are testimony to this.
Socialism is dead throughout the world, and good riddance. But there are some functions that are legitimately the function of governments, and these functions must be paid for. I agree that our government over-regulates and overtaxes us. But I would not trade the safer cars, the more plentiful food - the opportunities our society offers - for anarchy in the name of freedom.DAVID L. SIMMONS
Virginia Beach, May 25, 1995
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