Injustice in the Name of National Security

Re “Return to Sender,” by Rosi Hygate, Opinion, Feb. 1: Since 9/11, so many unconscionable things have been done under the guise of national security by our government to both our own nationals and those of other countries -- to give but one example, the prisoners held incommunicado at Guantanamo Bay. I thought my disgust was filled to the brim. However, the treatment accorded Hygate’s brother, a British national, on his arrival here for a visit -- because of a minor infraction of the law 26 years ago -- puts each and every one of those to shame. Such treatment must be stopped immediately; or, at the very least, foreign nationals must be checked thoroughly by our government before they board a flight for the states.

David Graham

Los Angeles

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“Return to Sender” should have been on the front page of the Opinion section. This article should be sent to everyone’s representatives and senators with an urgent plea to vote no on the renewal of the Patriot Act.

Jean Strauber

Encino

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Re canceled flights, Feb. 1: The most fearful terrorist weapon of mass destruction is staring us in the face. It is simple, plain, conspiratorial “chatter” on the airwaves, which they make sure we can easily intercept. Terrorists don’t need sophisticated WMD. Why bother, since they have succeeded in terrorizing us and in destroying our economy much more efficiently with the use of “conspiratorial” chatter?

Our airlines are on the verge of bankruptcy, the American public is scared to get on a plane, and they robbed us of some of our most precious liberties by precipitating the Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft Patriot Act.

Reno S. Zack

San Dimas