Your (April 21) editorial, “The fire this time,” was ludicrous. As anyone who has followed events in Texas can plainly see, the FBI, ATF, and local authorities exhausted all avenues before attempting a very ingenious one: ramming buildings down.

Those people who perished had ample opportunity to leave as asked by authorities. Are we to condone the actions of these religious fanatics who cared so little for their own children that they allowed them to be present for the tragedy of April 19?

I am amazed at the outcry from the media. It is sickening to read and hear reports criticizing law enforcement for their actions. These men and women have risked their lives to save others and do not deserve the lack of respect represented by that irresponsible editorial.

Do you also condone snowmobiling on bad ice or attempting to elude state troopers on the interstate? It is the same concept. Paula J. Merritt Bangor