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To the Editor: 

Before the World Trade Center victims’ families start licking their chops over the Saudis’ trillions which any American jury would be happy to hand them, they should remember that proving your case in a court of law generally takes some evidence. That’s why the Bush government prefers alternative approaches that require no evidence–or even a trial: Much easier to bomb religious fanatics in Afghanistan or stage a coup in Iraq. 

Going to court would actually be a refreshing recourse to democratic institutions and principles–something Americans have happily discarded in this “war on terrorism.” But just how to prove who flew the planes, how they gained the controls, or indeed, whether the 15 Saudis were even on board? Perhaps the plaintiffs can produce the box cutters? Or if proof is too difficult, we can always just wage a racist war of propaganda against the filthy-rich Saudis in the press. That should be good for 12 votes. 

John M. Hartenstein 

Berkeley