Stranded in the mountains

Re “Death toll climbs to 13 in mountain towns,” March 10

I can forgive officials in our local mountain communities for not having enough snow-moving equipment to cope with the recent blizzards of the century. This is understandable.

However, the deaths reported by The Times are not. These people could have been saved.

Having served as a physician in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, I am well aware of how quickly and efficiently the military can react during a crisis. Troops could have been dropped by helicopter to assist stranded families.

I will never understand how the United States seems always to be the first on site worldwide to assist others in need, yet it has a hard time helping people at home.

What should have been a rescue situation in the mountains is now tragically a recovery effort.

Stephen H. Cooper Hidden Hills