The Star Tribune's LTEs read like DU day in Sunday's paper

I wonder how many of these writers are DUers?

http://www.startribune.com/stories/563/5175278.html

This one is my personal favorite:

Note to Chicken Little
The sky is not falling. The Social Security system is not in a crisis or approaching a crisis. Don't listen to Goosey Lucy and Ducky Lucky when they try to convince you that Social Security is falling apart. Foxy Loxy is just up to his usual scare tactics. That's how Bushie Wushie ... oops, I mean Foxy Loxy, manages to have a steady diet of chicken.

xxx, St. Joseph, Minn

Elections Observer
The Dec. 29 Commentary page article on voting irregularities ("We may never know what happened in the Ohio vote") is hard to believe. I had to keep checking to make sure I wasn't reading about the Ukraine.
Surely our moral president wouldn't want to win by fraud. I mean that would be like taking our country to war under false pretenses.
xxx Merrifield, Minn.

He Who Counts the Votes
In "The year we'd like to see / A more balanced way to slander president" (Op Ex, Jan. 2), Mitchell Pearlstein facetiously suggests that those "who liken President Bush to Hitler might consider likening him to Stalin, too."
Consider this quote from Joseph Stalin: "The one who votes decides nothing. The one who counts the vote decides everything."
President Bush's vote counters include Walden O'Dell (CEO of voting machine vendor Diebold, who pledged "to deliver Ohio's electoral votes for President Bush"), and Kenneth Blackwell (Ohio secretary of state and Bush's Ohio campaign chair), who has stonewalled a congressional inquiry into the thousands of reported irregularities in the 2004 Ohio vote and thwarted a recount.
In the Ukraine, reports of voter suppression and deviations from exit polls led to conclusions that the original vote was fraudulent. The same evidence in our country has led to the conclusion that the exit polls must have been wrong. Go figure.
Many of us would like to see 2005 as the year when the people of the United States took back our democracy like the brave citizens of the Ukraine.
Xxx, Minneapolis.

Play Ball, Not Victim
I have a modest counterproposal for Mitchell B. Pearlstein, the man for whom comparisons of George W. Bush and Adolf Hitler are the big issue for 2005.
Those of us who find Bush's attacks on civil liberties, his "us vs. them" mentality, "preemptive war" policies and spoon-feeding of the corporate masters of war frighteningly reminiscent of fascism will continue to note the comparisons.
For his part, Pearlstein and his ilk can participate by showing us where Bush's policies mirror those of Joseph Stalin. I'll even help him out: Remember, Bush is the one who said, "Dictatorship would be a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."
xxx, Minneapolis.

What about all the Bush opponents who have good points to make but don't compare him to Hitler? What about all the conservative politicians and policies that warrant criticism but aren't being compared to Hitler? And what about those who compare liberals to Communists?
It seems the right has come to rely increasingly on playing the victim and playing up the extremist fringe while ignoring the substance of the issues and the moderate point of view. What I would like to see in 2005 is for pundits on both sides to learn how to play the ball, not the man.
xxx, Edina.

Drug Deal?
A proposal to the pharmaceutical companies: I'll buy drugs in the United States if you agree not to outsource your work to foreign countries.
To our government: If a drug company insists on outsourcing, then facilitate the importation of that company's drugs.
xxx, Minneapolis.

My favorites...

Nothing will change

Every story about our occupation of Iraq explains that the violence against us is aimed at derailing the impending election there. Yet these articles fail to provide a shred of evidence that the insurgents in Iraq care anything at all about the scheduled election. The election will be held sooner or later and it will be at best a preliminary exercise and at worst a sham. No matter which it is, President Bush will declare it an unprecedented success and, as Secretary of State Colin Powell has already acknowledged, our occupation will continue, and so will the resistance to our occupation.
xxxxxxx Southeast Portland

War supporters should enlist

I was standing in Powell's bookstore last week when a young man in his early 20s came down the aisle complaining of the lack of conservative books. He couldn't understand how the liberals of Portland could believe all of the awful things written about our president.

I stuck my liberal nose in and asked if he was a Bush supporter. He proudly declared that he was.

Then I asked him why he wasn't in Iraq fighting for his country. Well . . . uh . . . he was going to school.

It occurred to me that George W. Bush, a president who wholeheartedly supported the Vietnam War but never went near it, represents so many Americans supporting the war from the safety of their lounge chairs while watching the Iraq mini-series on Fox.

To those soldiers in Iraq, come home safe. To those supporting Bush and his war here at home, there is a Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Portland at 1220 S.W. Third Ave., Suite 519 (503-326-3016).

xxxxx Northwest Portland

RETT'Crisis or contrived?'

When President Bush wants to change or destroy something, he describes it in apocalyptic terms, which often include the word "crisis." He now trumpets the crisis of Social Security. But is this crisis real or contrived?

In the unlikely event this country came under nuclear attack or was struck by a giant meteor, the public verdict would be swift and unanimous that we had a real crisis. Nothing ambiguous about it.

This may help put the word in perspective the next time we hear it used loosely for partisan political gain.

Social Security is not in crisis. It may be showing some age after 70 years of service, but its general health is good. The program has lifted generations out of poverty and made the nation stronger.

xxxxxx Tualatin


ONLY ONE PRO B*SH LETTER!!

World's societies would find peace if they followed the laws of God

Scientists and professors have come up with theorems and terminology to describe the creation of nature. Physicists wonder what holds it all together. They have forgotten the evidence in the natural realm that God created.

To have faith in God is as visible as faith in the law of gravity. Woe may come to they who cannot open their eyes to see. The sun, for example, an ordinary, medium-sized star, is in a permanent state of nuclear activity. Tons of hydrogen is destroyed in explosions in the core where the temperature is millions of degrees. Spots of flame leap with a force of 1,000 million hydrogen bombs.

If only people could follow a few laws of God -- do not lie, steal, kill, lust, covet -- it would peaceably change the societies of the world!

---- Brian Davies

It is time that America return to its isolationist roots. The United States is pumping billions of dollars and thousands of American lives into Iraq. And for what? If we had stayed out of Iraq and other countries' affairs such as Israel and Palestine, we wouldn't have any problems with the terrorists in the first place. All this money spent trying to save the world and everyone hates us.

And what about our domestic issues? Why are we spending so much money to keep the Sunni and Shiite Muslims from killing each other when we should be stopping the Crips and the Bloods? Our tax dollars should not be spent policing the world but rather put back into our country where it belongs. I'm sure the rest of the world would appreciate it.

---- Brian Clausson

Anchorage

MEDFORD, OREGON:


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January 9, 2005

Thanks for wheelchair
The day before Christmas, our client was featured in the Light One Candle holiday article series. His story told of how his manual wheelchair was on the verge of collapse and he desperately needed a new unit.

For this working adult, he truly will have a Happy New Year as the generous outpouring from the community began to roll in that morning.. From Central Point to Ashland to Eagle Point, our fellow citizens heard about a need and responded unselfishly.

Here is a personal note from Jerry that went out to all respondents, which I believe says thank you more than I ever could as executive director.

"Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your contribution to my new wheelchair. Independence is a thing I truly value. Your generosity will allow me to pursue my dreams and goals with much greater comfort and stability. For this I cannot thank you enough.

Kind regards, Jerry."

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— Glory Cooper, executive director, Mobility Unlimited

Dismantling Social Security
If the Social Security system is dismantled by the Bush administration, what is going to happen to the health care and education of the disabled? What percentage of those on Social Security disability are underage or physically and/or mentally-challenged adults vs. disabled former wage earners?

Under the Bush proposal what is going to happen to the widowed spouses, male or female, of the deceased wage earners? Their dependent/disabled children? What percentage of the working will be able to save more than what is now deducted as FICA taxes and matched by the government to invest in the stock market?

What investments in the stock market are guaranteed safe from loss? In reality, isn’t investing just a calculated risk? You never know what the long-term status of your investment will be.

The system, as is, won’t go broke until 2040 or beyond. With minor tweaks we could save the most dependable social program and safety net in American history. That solution wouldn’t make Wall Street happy, though, would it? — Darlene Kirby, Cave Junction

The political pundits have debated for many weeks now, advancing one explanation or another for George Bush’s victory (and Kerry’s loss) in the recent election. The best explanation I have read was written 85 years ago by H.L. Mencken, one of America’s most distinguished literary figures, in the year 1920.:

"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts’ desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." — H.L. Mencken, columnist and editor. — Clifford I. Lee, Jacksonville


ad
America's Car & Truck Store!
opinion printer friendly subscribe today
January 9, 2005

Thanks for wheelchair
The day before Christmas, our client was featured in the Light One Candle holiday article series. His story told of how his manual wheelchair was on the verge of collapse and he desperately needed a new unit.

For this working adult, he truly will have a Happy New Year as the generous outpouring from the community began to roll in that morning.. From Central Point to Ashland to Eagle Point, our fellow citizens heard about a need and responded unselfishly.

Here is a personal note from Jerry that went out to all respondents, which I believe says thank you more than I ever could as executive director.

"Dear Friend,

Thank you very much for your contribution to my new wheelchair. Independence is a thing I truly value. Your generosity will allow me to pursue my dreams and goals with much greater comfort and stability. For this I cannot thank you enough.

Kind regards, Jerry."

Advertisement
How Healthy is the Air in Your Home?
— Glory Cooper, executive director, Mobility Unlimited

Dismantling Social Security
If the Social Security system is dismantled by the Bush administration, what is going to happen to the health care and education of the disabled? What percentage of those on Social Security disability are underage or physically and/or mentally-challenged adults vs. disabled former wage earners?

Under the Bush proposal what is going to happen to the widowed spouses, male or female, of the deceased wage earners? Their dependent/disabled children? What percentage of the working will be able to save more than what is now deducted as FICA taxes and matched by the government to invest in the stock market?

What investments in the stock market are guaranteed safe from loss? In reality, isn’t investing just a calculated risk? You never know what the long-term status of your investment will be.

The system, as is, won’t go broke until 2040 or beyond. With minor tweaks we could save the most dependable social program and safety net in American history. That solution wouldn’t make Wall Street happy, though, would it? — Darlene Kirby, Cave Junction

Tsunami cash cow
With the oil for food-United Nations-Saddam scandal in mind, I hope the Southeast Asia disaster fund does not become the great tsunami cash cow.

I have spent some time in the affected area and know firsthand the general attitude about bribes, payoffs and strong-arm moves. Most local politicians, military authorities, gangs and con artists will make a serious move on all those millions being spent on their turf.

They will care even less than the crooks that ripped off the oil for food dollars. The people who really need the aid will come last.

Don’t let the U.N. have anything to do with the distribution of the aid money. Form a dedicated, effective system of control and accountability to really get the aid to the people it was intended for. — Don Basey, Eagle Point

Their hearts’ desire
The political pundits have debated for many weeks now, advancing one explanation or another for George Bush’s victory (and Kerry’s loss) in the recent election. The best explanation I have read was written 85 years ago by H.L. Mencken, one of America’s most distinguished literary figures, in the year 1920.:

"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts’ desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." — H.L. Mencken, columnist and editor. — Clifford I. Lee, Jacksonville

A gift to the developer
In response to Doug Huston’s letter to the editor, dated Jan. 2, 2005, regarding the Fordyce Street Co-housing Project.

I feel he tries to cloud the issue by using condescending statements to malign the neighborhood and the Planning Commission. The simple fact is we do not want the Master Zoning Ordinance changed.

This small island parcel of 1.3 acres is zoned for eight units. The developer would like to have the zoning changed so she can squeeze in 13 units. Changing the zoning ordinance would have a negative effect on the large existing neighborhood

Mr. Huston claims this change would be a gift to the city of Ashland. What it would be is a gift of a larger profit to the developer. The self-interest he refers to in his letter is within his group and not the neighborhood. — I. Erwin Notrica, Ashland

A relief challenge
What an incredible disaster seeming so far from home. It almost feels as though there is nothing much that we can do from here. That is why Christi, Sarah and I from Total Bookkeeping in Yreka and Medford would like to challenge other small businesses to meet or beat our contribution of $500 to tsunami relief efforts. If you could fax to our office proof of your donation we will be happy to send to you a framed Certificate of Appreciation.

Contributions can be made to any existing international relief agency. At our office we are contributing to the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR), where every cent donated goes directly to relief. However, any established relief agency will do. Please send your fax to: Total Bookkeeping, 530-841-1548, or call 530-841-0452. — Leigh Schriver, Yreka, Calif.

Handing out medals
What would happen to you if someone died because of your mistakes? At the White House, they hand out medals. William "Iraq has WMDs" Tenent, Tommy "Can’t stop the looting" Franks, and Paul "No go zone" Bremer, all received medals. And Alberto "Abu-Ghraib" Gonzales and Condoleezza "Mushroom cloud" Rice got promoted.

I expected as much from a president with a master’s in business administration. But people are dying as a direct result of these peoples’ mistakes. So why is everyone so apathetic? And why is it that any criticism or questioning is called an attack on one’s personal beliefs? Sen. Kerry’s use of his war record made his patriotism "fair game," so why can’t we question Bush’s use of religion?

Is our faith so shallow it can’t stand a little scrutiny? Either way, our complacency makes us complicit in this duplicity. Call me an unenlightened heathen, but I believe in good old-fashioned responsibility! If neither the president nor his party will shoulder the task then we must, and hold them accountable. — Tom Espinosa, Medford

The headlines proclaim, "35,000 dead in earthquake/tsunami catastrophe." The pictures in the print media and TV paint a horrifying picture of this human disaster which nature has imposed upon the inhabitants of the coastline of the Indian Ocean.

When one realizes that the death and destruction being described is probably comparable to what has happened in Iraq both in terms of deaths and destruction, it should make us all reflect on what the criminal politicians in Washington have done in the name of our people. No political finger-pointing please; there’s enough blame to go around!

Iraq’s responsibility for the 9/11 event is nonexistent. What is absolutely incontestable are the lies and misrepresentations that the corporate media whores and "our" so-called political representatives foisted on the electorate to secure public support for the ongoing atrocity in Iraq.

The cost of the Bush/Kerry election campaign, $400 million; the amount of aid offered by our government to the tsunami victims, $350 milllion. There’s an example of obscenity for you. Support our troops in a meaningful way; bring them home now! — Richard and Janet Crawford, Medford

Last February the Rev. Pat Robertson announced on national TV that God had selected George Bush as the next president. Moreover, God did not care what kind of job Bush did. "He can make terrible mistakes and come out of it. It doesn’t matter what he does, good or bad, God picks him up."

Later, the Rev. Jerry Falwell said, "It is time for all good evangelical Christians to begin to work to re-elect President Bush."

And last week, the Rev. James Dobson took credit for defeating Sen. Tom Daschle and warned any senator who opposes Bush’s nominees for federal judgeships they "will be in the bull’s-eye the next time they seek re-election."

Why bother with elections? Just ask Pat and Jerry and Jim. Unfortunately, that pesky First Amendment keeps getting in the way of being ruled by a religious oligarchy. — Jeff Cheek, Medford

I am a patriot.

I stand with the Women in Black every Wednesday at noon.

My car bears a yellow ribbon saying "Support Our Troops."

I have grandfathers and uncles who were proud veterans. My father is buried in the Eagle Point National Cemetery after serving as a Navy corpsman and landing with the Marines during World War II. My oldest son followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and served as a Navy corpsman in the first Gulf War.

My brother-in-law served in the Navy in Vietnam and as a senior chief in the Coast Guard Reserve since leaving the Navy. At 55 he has been activated due to the war in Iraq. Who knows where he will be. We are a family of patriots!

I support my country! I am grateful to and support all the young men and women who are serving in the military wherever they may be, but most particularly those in harm’s way. My heart goes out to their loved ones. I do not support George W. Bush’s pre- emptive, immoral war in Iraq!

I am a patriot!

I stand with the Women in Black every Wednesday at noon. — June Buck, Medford

Pretty good for two areas that usually don't 'whine'.

It was the first one in the letters column and suggested that the editorial board of the Strib "take a deep breath" and try to say something nice about * just once. Then came the string of letters I posted. BWHAHAHHA

They have an Op-Ed column entitled "As I See It". It's a collection of area people - secretaries, doctors, lawyers, teachers, housewives, what have you - who are selected twice a year by the Star.

Anyway, the first of the latest crop just made her debut with a shoddily written piece about how oppressed Christians are in America, and if they could just free themselves from this oppression, then a Godly America would blossom blahblahblah.

There have been now fewer than five letters in the past two days. Three yesterday just demolished her in tones you'd expect from DU. Two more appeared today, written by fellow Christians who found her tone, condescension and arrogance appalling. Not one word to date in support.

I even allowed myself a brief twinge of hope after today's exchange. :-)