When innocents become victims

Your article “Shots to the Heart of Iraq” (Column One, July 25) shows how America’s lawless occupation justifies irresponsible murder. I doubt that the American contractor who said, “I’d rather be tried by 12 then carried by six” would use that defense if he expected to be tried by a jury of Iraqis. But what’s truly frightening is that he expects that defense would be accepted by an American jury

Fred Schachat

Durham, N.C.

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Re “When Moe hits Larry ...” Opinion, July 25

David P. Barash was making good points explaining the biological basis of victims of aggression who take out their anger on unrelated third parties, until he got to the part about families of victims that call for justice.

No, Mr. Barash, that’s the exact opposite of the point you’re trying to make. When people demand punishment for criminals, they’re directing their anger at the appropriate targets. They’re trying to stop criminals from hurting more victims.

Dan Haley

Culver City