Today's paper had several noteworthy letters. I've included a handful of post-election letters as well.
Some people just don’t get it--Nov. 30, 2006I read with both laughter and dismay
“Americans fail to understand” (letter, Nov. 17) and concluded that the author doesn’t understand. The elections were all about Americans understanding this fiasco that we call the war in Iraq. I think there are many people around the world who now see the light; that this war was a mistake that was brought on by lies and half-truths.
Morality and Christians--Nov. 30, 2006It was with great dismay that I read “Guess who’s behind amazing social progress” (Opinion, Amanda Parker, Nov. 23). I am constantly amazed by how often the religious assign “divine inspiration” to causes that they champion. <snip> Parker concludes: “Those crazy Christians. What will they think of next?” Hmmmm … the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, the Thirty Years’ War, the Chmielnicki Uprising, the condemnation of Galileo, the torture and execution of the Knights Templar, the Salem witch trials. What, indeed?
Drop hateful Coulter column--Nov. 30, 2006Why does Stars and Stripes carry a column written by a racist, hate-spouting columnist like Ann Coulter? “Those who don’t see a threat are flying blind” (Opinion, Nov. 27), defending the removal of six imams from a US Airways flight is akin to defending the police tactic of racial profiling. <snip> It is unfortunate, but people who think like Ann Coulter are in positions to make such rules, defend such practices, or look the other way when such things happen. Stars and Stripes can do us a huge favor and stop running her racist, hate-filled message. Servicemembers and others deserve better than being insulted by the likes of her.
Trudeau shows compassion--Nov. 29, 2006The writer of
“Ignoring those pesky facts” (letter, Nov. 23) remarks that Garry Trudeau is like “most liberals
has never been one to let … pesky facts get in the way of a good story.” Trudeau, author of the “Doonesbury” comic strip, has published two books of his strips concerning his character B.D.’s journey as a wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, all the proceeds of which benefit Fisher House, and therefore the families of wounded vets. He has told the story of life as a wounded veteran more compassionately and more effectively than anyone else I have read. Please don’t ever stop running the “Doonesbury” strip.
Defense of gays incomplete--Nov. 24, 2006
During my 30 years as a college educator, I have counseled many active-duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel in the San Diego area who are gay. More recently, some have rotated back to units in the San Diego area from Iraq and Afghanistan. They have included members of Special Forces units, cryptographers, intelligence specialists, corpsmen, etc. Two have received Purple Hearts for wounds they received. Two were fluent non-native speakers of Arabic. In a few instances, the commanding officer knew they were gay and didn’t care. That homosexual men and women continue to serve the nation with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates that their sexual orientation is irrelevant to the military defense of the nation. Since many will retire from active duty, articles dealing with retirement are certainly appropriate.
Train troops in law of war--Nov. 23, 2006
As an activated Army reservist, I can say we may have a serious problem with training the replacement force to standard on its way to deployment early next year. With the new order mobilizing 57,000 U.S. troops to Iraq — signed by the defense secretary about to walk out the door, Donald Rumsfeld — how will we be able to train their replacements to standard? The problem with mobilizing 57,000 troops within a couple of months is, how efficient will they really be?
Moving on after Rumsfeld--Nov. 16, 2006
I was both shocked and awed that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld decided to cut and run in the oncoming face of his enemy, the Democrats, something which military members would never do in the face of their enemy. His decision not to stay the course, perhaps so he can stay at the golf course, is a positive thing for most in the military. Most of us here in Iraq are glad to see this turn of events. It was due time for him to step aside and let someone else command the armed forces.
Iraq war wastes tax dollars--Nov. 10, 2006
The war in Iraq is the biggest waste of taxpayers’ money. Billions of dollars have been wasted so far. There were no weapons of mass destruction. It is obvious we have not uprooted terrorism by wasting so much money, but have created more hatred toward Americans and America. Nor will this war get a free flow of oil from Iraq. So, let’s put these petty complaints aside and sound off in one voice against this big white elephant that is swallowing our precious tax dollars — which, instead, could have been used for our own welfare — and work toward bringing the culprits who designed this war by lying to us to justice.
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