Island Raid a Show of Excessive Force

Re: Island Raid

Gee! With the threat of 15-year-old sheep hunters, the Santa Barbara district attorney’s office probably should have used a landing craft and a battalion of Marines.

In my view, and all the citizens I’ve talked to, this is a typical example of an over-reaching government that has to fabricate an excuse to abrogate citizens’ right to their business and lands.

RICHARD SEDIN, Oxnard

*

Regarding the actions of the park rangers, police and the district attorney’s office in Santa Barbara County with respect to the Santa Cruz Island raid, we the community should be concerned about the larger issues involved with preparing and executing this act.

Foremost on the minds of everyone should be the use of military-style, gun-toting park rangers. It is doubtful that the public at large believes that park rangers are hired and adequately trained to handle these types of situations.

Secondly, can someone explain the use of helicopters in a police operation where the accused individuals have no place to run?

Should we excuse this kind of gross incompetence so that it can happen again? I sure hope not.

PAUL CLINTON, Ventura