Soldier Slain in Baldwin Park

Cesar Gardea’s name must be added to the list of those killed in Operation Desert Storm--not from enemy (or friendly) fire but from “collateral” losses at home.

It’s simple subtraction and elimination. When we subtract what’s wasted on the death and destruction of war from what’s needed if the “kinder, gentler America” truly ever is to be, we eliminate the hope without which that dream hasn’t the tiniest chance!

Part of the waste of war then is the drive-by shooting of Private Cesar Gardea in Baldwin Park (Part A, June 26). Those million-dollar smart-bomb droppings could have gone a long way towards building communities with just the right blend of people, resources and opportunities so that no one would have the interest let alone the time for the drive-by sort of thing!

That’s why Cesar Gardea is a martyr of Operation Desert Storm. I grieve for him and for his family and look toward that day soon when there will be peace on earth, goodwill towards woman and man here in God’s blessed America as in everyone’s promised and holy land.

JACK KENT, Huntington Beach