Christopher Smart's "Blanding residents outraged" ( Tribune , June 13) illustrated the extent of anti-federal government sentiment in southern Utah.

To believe, as former San Juan County Commissioner Mark Maryboy apparently does, that Dr. James Redd's suicide was the fault of overzealous prosecution is simply wrong. If a drug dealer were caught and prosecuted and then committed suicide, would the residents of Blanding wring their hands? How about FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, who has attempted to kill himself while incarcerated?

I am sorry that Redd committed suicide -- turning an already bad situation tragic. However, since he had been indicted for similar offenses in the past, Redd was aware of the antiquities law. If the FBI failed to investigate crimes for fear of how it would make lawbreakers feel, it would not be a very effective organization. Perhaps the FBI should stop prosecuting all criminals who appear upset as a result of being caught.

It is time for the people of Blanding to recognize that federal law applies even in southern Utah. And the people of San Juan County should demand more logic and rationale from their elected leaders -- including those who have been appointed to uphold the law.

Brenton Peterson

Pleasant Grove