Intervention in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The Times published responses from 10 men (where were the women?) on whether “the refusal to commit militarily should be seen as a blot on the nation.” Although I am disappointed, I am, sad to say, not all that surprised that none of your respondents dealt with the most important underlying moral issue. That is the use of deadly violence to stop deadly violence. Killing another for the sake of peace only sows the seeds of the next war, large or small.

It may take another 100 years before enough voices are raised to abandon violence in favor of using our intellect and energies to resolve disputes in a sane and rational manner. But it can be done.

As for me, it has taken a lifetime to come from being a teen-age bomber pilot in World War II to the understanding I hold today.

I believe the most important change is in our hearts and minds to accept the idea that no one has the right to harm another person’s body or spirit or to diminish the quality of the Earth even in the pursuit of one’s highest ideals.

ORVILLE G. TIGERMAN, Rancho Palos Verdes