Waco Probe

I find it hard to believe that Atty. Gen. Janet Reno was unaware that the FBI used flammable munitions in the last hours of the Waco tragedy (Aug. 26-27). She now states that she is shocked to hear that the FBI kept this information from her and the citizens of this country. If the attorney general of the land did not know what was going on, she is unfit for her job.

As I remember, she stated after the tragedy that she took full responsibility for actions that were taken during the Waco siege. What was that supposed to mean?

MARY J. MONK

San Clemente

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I am glad to see the FBI is finally being held accountable for its actions. This organization is so hypocritical that it routinely investigates local police departments for violating citizen’s civil rights and at the same time has obviously gone to great lengths to cover up trampling of the Branch Davidians’ rights at Waco.

Who investigates the FBI and other federal agencies’ wrongdoings? Another federal agency? Citizens don’t believe a local police department’s internal affairs department can provide an impartial investigation, and they shouldn’t think the feds police themselves any better. The FBI should get its own house in order before it starts investigating virtually every police shooting in Southern California as a violation of civil rights.

PATRICK ALUOTTO

Los Angeles

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Re “Finally, the Truth Is Coming Out,” Commentary, Aug. 29: The responsibility for the tragedy at Waco belongs to David Koresh alone. No doubt the government mishandled the situation. The fact remains that Koresh had absolute responsibility for putting his followers in harm’s way. He could have stopped it easily at any time. When Leon Whiteson characterizes Koresh’s group as “peaceful” he is the one who is dismissive. By discounting all the firsthand accounts of abuse by Koresh, he dehumanizes those individuals yet again.

There is no simple answer as to how the authorities should deal with extremist groups when there is evidence of criminal activity.

The story of Waco is the story of the abuse of power by a single individual; all the rest is incidental. It is not a question of a belief system. It is a question of crimes against persons, human beings.

COLETTE BLACKBURN

Long Beach