I was angered by Marj Lawrence’s Oct. 6-7 letter in which she compared terrorists to small children “not strong enough to fight a bully.” I was even more disturbed by her comment that America had “bombed, propped up dictatorships, [and] interfered…” Any thinking person would have to wonder why she chooses to live in a country for which she has so little regard.

At a time when the nation is rallying behind its leaders to try to stamp out terrorism, I found her remarks distasteful and unfortunately timed. As someone who grew up in Northern Ireland where terrorism is rampant, I can tell you that unless America deals with it swiftly and certainly, we will be living in its shadow for years to come. And doing that will involve more than slapping the wrist of a naughty child.

Ruth Halliday

Orrington