El Toro Marine Harassment Case

I am still stunned by your article “Woman Marine at El Toro Complains of Harassment” (Feb. 12) that focuses on the behavior of a Marine Corps lieutenant colonel with regard to several Marines under his command.

This article impugns the integrity of the colonel in question, for whom I have worked, and puts the Marine Corps into the difficult position of, again, countering adverse publicity.

For what purpose do you print such an article, and why wasn’t its subsequent publishing delayed until the maligned colonel could properly respond to these vicious charges? I feel it is a form of irresponsible journalism not unlike the brash sensationalism found in the National Enquirer.

The character and integrity of those Marines mentioned as victims in your article is dubious at best. You generously gave these malcontents a forum to air their slanted views of the Marine Corps and the colonel in question, without concern for the damage and pain it may have inflicted on a proud organization and a remarkable officer.

KEITH A. LAWLESS

Santa Ana

Keith A. Lawless is a Marine Corps captain.