Marla Ruzicka: Symbol in Iraq War

Re “Young Activist’s Life Cut Short in Iraq Blast,” April 18: I shed tears for activist Marla Ruzicka, who lost her life trying to help the innocent victims of the war in Iraq.

She was not a soldier or a member of a religious group. She felt a need to help the people in Iraq. She started her own organization: Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict, or CIVIC. She inspired Congress to appropriate $17.5 million to aid Afghanistan and Iraq.

There should be a special medal for people like Ruzicka, who give their lives to help others and expect nothing in return. This brave, courageous woman was 28 years of age.

Marla, you are an example for the youth of America who have lost their way.

Edward D. Rasky

West Hills

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Marla Ruzicka’s death was absolutely unnecessary. So were the deaths of countless Americans in this war. She was a young woman trying to do what she thought was right, and she was killed by a suicide bomber thinking that he would get into heaven if he took a couple of American lives. Us taking part in this war was wrong, and for us to continue to fight is even more wrong. Why must we continue to slaughter each other?

Kenneth Choo

Age 13, Los Angeles