BLIND OBEDIENCE PERILOUS

I read with great disbelief the comments of Donna C. Pendergast
("Won't run from uniformed," Viewpoints, Nov. 6). Her apparent blind
obedience to authority is a very dangerous thing.

This same kind of mentality has allowed many atrocities to be
perpetrated to humankind over time such as concentration camps,
torture and rapes by those "just following orders." The excuse of
"just following orders" won't cut it with most people in a democracy.

The police officers in the Pedro Oregon Navarro case were wrong and
should have been charged with wrongful death at the least, and
probably murder, judging by the facts presented in the media.

If anyone wonders why we need a federal government with oversight
power over local and state governments, this is a perfect example.
Either the local district attorney's office presented a very skewed
case to the grand jury, or else the grand jury was composed of people
who were afraid to ask the necessary hard questions.

I suggest that Pendergast move to Iraq where blind obedience to
authority is the norm and where, I'm sure, the police show no restraint.

Russell T. Reid, Richmond

Checked-by: Patrick Henry