Letter: Civilian deaths unfortunate outcome of war

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Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007 | 7:29 a.m.

I am not defending the Blackwater private security guards (mercenaries) who have been hired to protect officials in Iraq, if indeed they committed killings unjustifiably. Let the investigations determine the appropriate outcome. However, after Monday 's "NBC Nightly News," I had to say something to counter the one-sided diatribe the media are reporting.

The reporter actually said the Blackwater mercenaries might have shot first , without making inquiry.

This is a war zone!

If these security guards suspected suspicious activity and didn't shoot first, they might not have an opportunity to shoot second. The enemy in Iraq does not wear a military uniform and cannot be distinguished from civilians.

Yes, in war, innocent civilians do get killed. At the same time, you can't ask these people to put their lives on the line protecting diplomats and not expect such "collateral damage."

Alan Wollman, Las Vegas