Dear Editor,

Reference is to Erin Williams’ letter “Why aren’t deaths of others as important as ours?” The answer, of course, is all life is to be valued. Having said that, the priority our wonderful republic must pursue is prevention of the deaths of our citizens. Dictators and evil leaders cause the deaths of their citizens and those of other countries. That’s the difference, Erin.

Erin, you are to be congratulated for your interest in foreign and domestic affairs. As you pursue your education, hopefully you will expand your knowledge beyond the Aspen papers and Yampah Mountain High. This will broaden the righteousness and sensibility you desire.

One hopes you listened to President Bush’s address Monday (Oct. 7) night. Study this address, Erin, then relate his warning to the 9/11 attacks. Our leaders know a lot more than they can tell us. There is limited entitlement of the press or public to facts gleaned from sources inside Iraq or other countries if it endangers those sources.

Erin, there are errors in your letter that are picked up by critical readers. Not to worry. Most of your readers have a lot of years experience behind them. Keep writing. Whatever high school level you have attained, you display a talent beyond your years.

Respectfully submitted

Jack E. Blankenship

Battlement Mesa