LETTERS: DUTY TO PROTECT INNOCENT

To the editor:

After learning of the details of the case involving the conviction of the person (he does not deserve to be called a soldier) who killed the black couple near Fort Bragg, N.C., I wish to disagree with my friend, John Helderman, who suggested that governmental action against racist groups was perhaps a greater danger than the groups themselves. Indeed, it is the duty of the government to protect innocent people from such dangerous organizations.

Yes, anyone in the United States should be free to express unpopular views, but when an organization openly advocates and takes credit for vandalism, property destruction, intimidation, bodily injury and murder, the government should have at its disposal the legal means needed to bring these groups to justice. It is quite obvious that groups such as the one in North Carolina, which confer symbols of prestige (in this case, a tattoo) upon members who murder someone because of their skin color, have gone beyond exercising their freedom of speech.

The question as to whether the government should have the power to outlaw certain organizations is certainly one that should be carefully considered and, if granted, used only after it is proven beyond all reasonable doubt that such action is warranted. Furthermore, when one considers the balance of power between the three branches of government, the independence of the media and the diversity of the American people, it is doubtful that any abuse of such powers would continue for more than a brief period of time. Evidently, the laws enacted in Germany to prevent the resurgence of the Nazi party have not significantly diminished the quality of life in that nation.

Finally, as one of Father Pat Wissmann's parishioners, it is clear to me that he is a fervent supporter of individual liberty. In fact, as a former missionary to South America, he has first-hand knowledge of what life is like under truly repressive governments. Most importantly, few people work harder than Father Pat to bring the message of redemption which is ultimately needed for us to overcome the sin of racism.

RICK BOHN

Scott City