◆ SpookStack

¢ Give FBI the necessary firepower To The Editor: The horrendously one-sided score (n the recent shoot-out completely mysti- fied me untl! ] thought of what must be proved correct: The agents were simply out-firepowered. Confirmation came in The Herald's April] 13 edition’s “Oppos- ing Firepower.” That the FBI would not have semi- automatic carbines in this age of weannns fcincane A Smith and Wesson weapons iS Insane. A Smith and Wesson or even a Colt .45 is considered a toy in the minds of the “bad guys.” Had some U.S. jegislators been among the crowd of witnesses to the worst shooting in the Bureau's history, I'm sure they would have voted differently on the McClure-Volkmer bill, which was strongly opposed by police forces across the nation. It is now @ definite firing range out there. Cari D. Smite, Jr. North Miami To The Editor: How could FBI egents with revolvers take on greater firing power without Sustaining major injuries and even death? ° The agents who were kilied and those who were wounded will be long Temembered with honor and sadness as # sacrifice to an uneven, violent effort to apprehend criminals. Let us remember that guns do kill. Our FB) agents should be equipped with greater firing power, with the public knowledge that it will be used when needed. all Thoughts from Riverside Church — To The Editor: Mare Fisher's discerning article aboul FBI agents’ killer] Bill Matix, (Herald, April side Ba 14), short-time member of River- Rantist Church, asks this question of the congregation; Why did one of us kip The answer is, Because he was not one of us. In my opinion, he came seeking a facade of respectability and a good environment for his daughter. What better place to find them than at a well-thought-of church to make him less suspect in his nefarious activities?*———"—* Bence | ‘AM even more upset The Herald's handling of the FBI shoot-out story in its April 13 edition was an outrage. Giving front-page space to two homicidal maniacs while placing the stories of seven decent, heroic men on the back pages Is horrible. ~. ‘ This was a perfect opportunity to give honor and tribute to the "good guys” and to show that In this instance, at least, crime did not pay in Miami. Loutse D. MILLER Miami * * * Isn't it ironic that the day after the National Rifle Association (NRA) cele- brated {ts successful intimidation of Congress to pass a loosening of gun- control laws, one of the biggest shoot- “outs in the history of Florida took place? Two FBI agents killed, five wounded. Ib the face of the great rise in crime, our weak-kneed lawmakers — out of preed for the enormous amounts of money banded cul by the NRA — allowed themselves to be duped into passing such a vile law. Those congressmen will have to face their constituents in the coming elec- Ons. MILTON R. Jacops North Miam:! * * * I am so tired of the bloodshed on our Streets and of national headlines about Miami — all negative, of course. But ] over what is becoming of our city. Day in and day out, policemen, ’ firemen, and other people put their lives on the line, yet there is alj this serious crime continuing. Mayde we should follow the punish- ments used in Saudi Arabia. “an eye for an eye.” There aren'i many repeat offenders there. To those two FBI men who lost their right to live and to the five who were injured, I am terribly sorry, but thank you for your devotion to the cause. For afl the policemen who rushed to the écene to lend their support, thank you also. God bless you all. To those who “have had it, it's time to leave Miami,” goodbye — but I'm _ Staying. I believe that there is a lot to be Gone, but I'm willing to fight for it. RIA CRISTINA VAMOS . Miami