Stateside Soldiers
The recent hurricanes illustrate the value of uniformed, organized, and disciplined troops with the equipment to surmount extreme conditions and provide a variety of services ["A Uniform Response?" October 3]. I think, however, that it would be wise to separate the missions of combat troops and the National Guard. The Guard should have domestic responsibilities and not a combat mission. This exclusive mission would necessitate its providing services in national crisis situations: security, evacuation and rescue, medical care, food, shelter, engineering, etc. It would also require extensive, relevant equipment. The result could be highly effective, responsive units without drawing from active-duty military units. Having mixed missions dilutes our resources.
JAMES A. SAVAGE JR.
Holly Springs, N.C.
It seems clear that the response to catastrophes like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should, at least in part, fall to our state National Guard units. Their ability to respond to such emergencies has been depleted and weakened by the Iraq War.
ROBERT A. BUSCH
Grand Isle, Vt.
" A Uniform Response?" is exactly what the United States needs after every hurricane. Local law enforcement and available National Guard members need more help. The 82nd Airborne might be trained to kill, but they're also Americans who know how to keep order and to rescue. Isn't it time we learn to fix our own house?
JOHN WILSBACH
Middletown, Pa.
New Energy Needed
The recent storms highlight the folly of relying on oil and natural gas resources located in the cross hairs of hurricane alley ["Not Again!" October 3]. By allowing environmentalists to set our energy agenda, we are left open to price spikes and supply disruptions. This winter's predicted explosion in the price of natural gas, which heats half of all U.S. homes, will make $3-a-gallon gasoline pale by comparison. We're in this situation because environmental lobbies have been allowed to put the abundant resources of the western United States and Alaska largely off limits. New clean-energy plant construction has been blocked at the same time, causing us to burn valuable natural gas to make electricity. We're in for hard times, indeed, if we don't stop these obstructions and make reliable energy sources a national priority.
DANIEL H. HOUCK
Albuquerque, N.M.
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