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Editor: 

In the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, literally before the dust settles in New York, Senators and Congress are rallying to support the Pentagon. “More money for defense” is their slogan. But in our haste to do something, let’s not leave reason behind. Let us ask why, with close to $300 billion a year, our intelligence and defense agencies could neither know about nor prevent this terrorism.  

Why should those who waste taxpayer money on $ 900 toilet seats and phony interceptor missile tests be given even more money? Effective defense requires competence and integrity. 

Bruce Joffe 

Oakland