Letters to the Editor - online

The proper response to the murder of American soldiers by al-Qaida (as you will find in any textbook on military science and counterinsurgency tactics) is to destroy the town, Youssifiyah, where the bodies were found.

The success of harsh counterinsurgency tactics can be historically verified if one takes the time to crack a book.

Lack of such a response only confirms al-Qaida's perception of American weakness and encourages more such outrages.

Charlie Hilbert

East Stroudsburg, Pa.

Encountering two types of dogs

For those who design and construct public trails for fitness, please consider a trail for friendly dogs and a separate trail for unfriendly dogs.

I base this suggestion on my attempt to stay "firm not fat" at age 53, while trail biking, walking, jogging, running, rollerblading, and wheelchairing on public trails.

Birmingham, Ala.