DEAR EDITOR:

The premeditated killing of unarmed civilians in boats is not a legitimate act of either war or law enforcement.

The Trump administration says they are protecting us from the flow of dangerous and illegal drugs. There are two problems with this.

First, they have not released any evidence. We are supposed to just trust them.

Second, even if the boaters really are drug runners, the appropriate response is to arrest them and give them a trial. Not only do they have their day in court, but there is also an opportunity to build a case against their suppliers.

I admit to being afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome, and we are all guilty at times of retreating to our corners and assuming my side is right and your side is always wrong.

But some things cannot be reduced to political argument. I ask anyone who is pro-life, any retired military, and especially any Republicans in positions of authority to not be silent.

We can disagree about many issues, but we should be united on whether it is OK to murder people.

BILL KOCH

Austintown