Dear Editor:

I must raise my voice in shock and anger over the behavior of our military in the recent strikes against small boats in the Caribbean. It is sickening and shameful, morally abhorrent and completely illegal.

We are not "at war" with Venezuela. No evidence has been presented to show that these boats and the people aboard pose any more of a threat to our country than the drug cartels anywhere else or the powerful men who have been recently pardoned for their actual crimes.

I am incredulous that our administration has not acted vigorously to challenge this action to prevent further murderous criminal behavior and to rescue the remains of US honor and respectability which is being significantly eroded worldwide. The defense of our country begins with strengthening our domestic moral infrastructure and with encouraging positive foreign relations. Military action and destruction is a last resort, not a strategy. Immediate action is necessary to reign in those who must be accountable

Julia Lane

Bristol