Begging for retaliation. (Letters to the Editor).

I am writing with strong objections to points made in the February 25th article by William Norman Grigg entitled "How Best to Achieve Justice?" Mr. Grigg states: "That the murderous aggression against our country justified a military response is beyond dispute," and that "The Black Tuesday attack was an act of war."

I contend that the attack against the Twin Towers was a criminal action but was not an act of war. War, according to Christian and traditional historical standards, means that one sovereign nation attacks another. Afghanistan has not waged war against the United States. We are the ones who have waged war on Afghanistan with the prospect of extending this unjust cancer -- a futile military sweep to many other countries.

Even our action of immediately blaming Osama bin Laden is completely unjust and un-American. Where are the appropriate investigations and court proceedings? There were many avenues for seeking justice and reducing the risk of like future criminal actions. There is much reasonable speculation that the responsible parties are not being properly identified.

As a country, we have acted very irresponsibly and belligerently, begging for future retaliation.

SUSAN TRELEASE

Lewiston, New York