‘Britain Tramples on Rights’

My initial delight with your editorial turned to anger when you reverted to your usual description of the Irish Republican Army as “murderous,” “terrorists” and “continuing IRA atrocities.” What The Times seems to forget is that the IRA is doing the same thing the United States, Israel, and countless other countries did in fighting England for independence: They too were labeled as murderers and terrorists.

Having just returned from my second trip to Northern Ireland, I can tell you that the Nationalists see the IRA as their only hope of getting England out of Ireland and uniting their country.

Let’s dispense with the double standard of when British soldiers kill unarmed men it’s OK, but when the IRA kills military targets it’s obscene wanton murder most foul. The killing will stop the moment England gets out of Ireland. Until then the IRA will fight on for freedom in its own land.

MARSH PERRY

Sherman Oaks