Letters to the editor, July 17, 2008

Sarcastic response to shooting defense

In response to Mr. Joe Golden’s “Support for Texas self-defense shooting” (July 15), let me say this: Bravo, sir. I couldn’t agree more. A blow, actually two in this case, were struck for freedom-loving Americans everywhere. The only way we will get our country back from the thugs with guns, is to stand on our lawns and protest to the world, with both barrels, that we are not going to take it anymore.

I applaud your call for average Americans to forget about the justice system in our country because, as you point out, it doesn’t work anyways. When people commit a crime they should be put to death automatically. I agree Mr. Golden, death by shotgun blast, without using the police, judges, juries or executioners is exactly what these guys deserved. And for robbing somebody’s house, too? They got off easy if you ask me.

Jury, lawyers, “liberal” judges, these things just get in the way of what we all know is right. You know those “nuts,” just wasting money on due process. I am with you. The country would only be safer if everyone had a gun, with the opportunity and legal cover to use it under circumstances that they, and they alone, saw fit. Bring on the old wild west!

For all those drivers out there, beware the new ban on cell phone use in cars. Mr. Golden and I think you should have your ear cut off. Such is the penalty for such a crime against the state. Only by reacting harshly to crimes that have been committed can we hope to ensure that they don’t happen again.

I would assume that Mr. Golden thinks that the Taliban had it right in Afghanistan. When somebody commits a crime, take them to the public square and cut off their heads as a sign to everyone else that their actions will not be tolerated. As we saw with them, there is no need for laws, police, judges or justice, or for that matter jails or a Constitution. Only through an armed citizenry, with the ability to shoot down people that they think deserve it, can we truly have a free country.

Now if that’s not deserving of a medal I don’t know what is.

Mark Hassell
Barstow

More info wanted on Marine's death

Where is the rest of the news regarding the young Marine that was murdered in Barstow. Like, who shot him? Why did you leave out the person’s name?

I was told that if someone breaks into your home that you better make sure that person is facing you or you will be charged with murder in California.

This young Marine was in his truck. Why wasn’t the shooter arrested?  Nobody drives to Barstow (from San Diego) three-and-a-half hours for nothing.

Your paper shouldn’t accuse anyone of taking drugs unless there is proof. People get kicked out of the military for taking drugs.

I would like the rest of the story. Your story has a lot of holes in it.

Anita DeLeon
Barstow

Editor’s note: The Desert Dispatch has published almost all information about the shooting that has been provided to us. We continue to request more information from the Barstow Police Department about the incident and will continue to attempt to determine the circumstances around Michael Firkins’ death.