Vote to honor those who died

There are 659,954 reasons to vote. That's how many American men and women have been killed in action while fighting America's wars. Wars that were fought to protect our way of life. Wars that were fought so you and I and our children could go to the polls on Election Day and exercise our right in a democracy to vote for those people we want to run our government. In addition, more than 1.4 million American men and women have been wounded, many losing arms and legs, some their eyesight and others physical damage, fighting in these same wars for the same reasons. So what's the excuse for not taking advantage of what these people died and suffered for? You don't have time. It's raining. (Try an umbrella.) You're not interested in politics. (You better be, because politics affects almost everything you do.) You think your vote doesn't count. (Hundreds of elections have been decided by two or fewer votes). And why aren't more 18, 19 and 20-year-olds involved and going to the polls on Election Day? Why aren't more of our youths involved in the campaigns? These are the people who will be in charge 20, 30, 40 years from now. Shouldn't they be learning what it's all about? Are parents and schools doing their jobs training and educating our youth about elections? Yes, Election Day is about politics and politicians, and it's good politics and honest, knowledgable politicians who we need to run our governments. It is up to you to decide who that will be. Remember, 659,954 men and women lost their lives so you would have that privilege. Don't disappoint them. John Huber III, Marmora - Atlantic City Press, October 31, 2006

Social Security

We, the recipients of Social Security, should be very concerned with this year's elections. Tony Snow, President Bush's press secretary, said last month that with a Republican Congress in 2007, Bush will push for his privatization plan. If Bush's plan is implemented, it will be devastating to Social Security recipients. Let me explain. Workers pay 6.2 percent of their pay into Social Security. That 6.2 percent is matched by their employers for a total of 12.4 percent. Currently, 10 percent pays for all Social Security recipients' monthly checks, with a surplus of 2.4 percent. Bush takes the surplus to pay for the war in Iraq and has the government issue U.S. Treasury bonds to replace the surplus taken. However, his privatization plan would take 4 percent of the 12.4 figure out of the system and put it into private accounts, leaving 8.4 percent for the recipients of Social Security. That does not cover current expenses for the system, let alone future increases. The system would immediately be in a deficit, and with each passing year, the deficit would grow. Neither Bush nor his Republican cohorts have said where they would get the money to make up the deficit. The only alternative would then be to make huge cuts in Social Security checks. We must stop this raid on Social Security before it's too late. U.S. Rep. James Saxton, R-Mount Holly, and U.S. Senate candidate Thomas Kean Jr., R-Westfield, support Bush's plan to take 4 percent from Social Security and destroy the financial stability of the system. Elect their Democratic opponents and save Social Security. We worked hard to ensure that Social Security would be there when we needed it. Don't let greedy politicians use the money for other purposes. Keep Social Security for that which it was intended. Michael W. Reilly, Medford - Courier Post, October 27, 2006

Come back, Saddam

The situation is desperate in Iraq and getting worse on a daily basis. Saddam Hussein was the easiest target; now we are fighting so many -- al-Qaida, suicide bombers, Shiite militias, Sunni groups, the Ansar al Sunna, the Islamic Army, the Mujahedeen army, the Iraq National Islamic Resistance, and so on. Yes, it is a desperate situation when the human cost is so high and rising daily, and when all the allies can boast of is the creation of a police state and a total mess. The Iraqis and our people are paying a very high price for our humanity and concern for them, not to mention the enormous loss of life and injuries. The cost to the United States as of November 2006 is more than $350 billion and climbing. There is only one solution as I see it: apologize to Saddam and put him back in power and then get out of there. He apparently knew how to run things better than we can. Bob Tarves, Blackwood - Courier Post, October 27, 2006

American brothers

Re: "Army preparing to keep current troop levels in Iraq through 2010" (C-P, Oct. 16). Sometimes it's easy to forget that the soldiers overseas are human. These individuals, fighting daily for their lives, are American brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, fathers and mothers. There are now more than 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. Progress is being made, yet we continue to keep thousands of citizens overseas to fight a diminishing cause. Their excuse that it's easier to scale back later if conditions allow than to ramp up if they don't is easily said while sitting safely in your living room. President Bush has been called on to start bringing troops home within the year. What's the rush? There's only hundreds of thousands of hopeful Americans awaiting the arrival of their loved ones. There are only hundreds of thousands of kids growing up without parents. If there isn't a need for troops in Iraq, we shouldn't keep innocent citizens overseas because it's easier. Many things are easier, but that doesn't make those things right. Heather Marter, Delran - Courier Post, October 27, 2006

Rep. LoBiondo hasn't fulfilled pledges made

Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd District, was elected to office in 1994. He was then filled with enthusiasm and a passion to serve his constituents when he took the oath of office to support the Constitution. That is why he signed Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America." Time seems to have clouded the memory of that pledge; Mr. LoBiondo's votes in Congress have achieved the opposite effect. Instead of working toward a balanced budget, he has supported the policies of a president that have turned the largest surplus in our history into the largest deficit, and has voted to increase the national debt a whopping five times. Instead of tax cuts for families, he voted for every tax cut the president has proposed which gives the largest share of the benefits to the wealthiest. Instead of fairness for senior citizens, he voted for a Medicare Drug Plan that contains provisions that guarantee insurance and drug companies' profits while requiring seniors to pay the full cost of prescriptions in addition to monthly premiums while in a $3,000 benefit vacuum. Instead of welfare reform, he voted for cuts to hundreds of social programs such as Head Start, the child subsidy for families with less that $26,000 income and tuition aid to needy students. Instead of common sense legal reforms, he voted for measures that make it almost impossible for average people to file class action suits when harmed by corporations that pollute their drinking water and foul their air. And finally, instead of honoring his pledge to abide by term limits, he is running for an oath breaking seventh term. It seems he has become part of the Washington establishment, and it is up to us to remind him by voting for someone else who will honor pledges made when he or she truly had our best interests in mind. Nick Reina, Milmay - Daily Journal, October 27, 2006

Broken promises in GOP contract

Remember the last time there was a major turnover in the House of Representatives? It was 1992, and the Republicans swept into power with the “Contract for America.” The contract promised a balanced budget. It happened when we had two different parties in the executive and legislative branches. Since then, the so-called “Fiscal Responsibility Act,” which promised middle-class tax cuts, turned out to be a bridge to nowhere, with our economy boosted by record deficits and tax cuts for the rich. Who will pay the interest on the deficit and the balance when it comes due? Read the contract and you'll see that promise after promise was broken. The contract also promised term limits, even by our very own Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, who has amassed a $2.5 million campaign war chest to keep his career. Think he owes anybody anything? America agreed in 1992 with term limits, so let's hold our legislators to their “contract” and let's return the “people's house” to the people, and tell them they're fired. Helen Utts, Northfield - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006

Four readers react to Press enbdorsement

LoBiondo is wrong choice in 2nd I was very disappointed that The Press chose to endorse U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd. While LoBiondo may have broken with his party on occasion regarding the environment and wildlife, a close inspection of his voting record reveals that he only does so when his party has enough votes and has released him to cast a “look how independent I am” vote. Does the endorsement mean that LoBiondo deserves re-election in spite of the fact that he will continue to support the war in Iraq, tax cuts for a chosen few, continued favors for big business and funding cuts to social programs? LoBiondo will continue to say he is a moderate while supporting a government that intrudes into private lives, suspends civil rights and sometimes puts protesting citizens under federal watch. President Bush has been quoted several times as saying that his agenda is not dead yet, and if he retains control of both chambers of Congress, we can look forward to yet another attempt to privatize Social Security. I expect LoBiondo will continue to support it. The Press has displayed a myopic view of LoBiondo, a view which will have an adverse impact far beyond the 2nd District of New Jersey. Mary Hardwick, Northfield - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, has authored in his 12 years of service little more than a measure banning the burning of the American flag. I don't know what it's like in everyone else's neighborhood, but where I live, every day it's the same thing: Bands of anarchists marching up and down Shore Road burning the flag. Thank you, congressman, for giving serious attention to a problem that doesn't even exist. I am troubled, however, that the colored cloth itself has taken on almost Ten Commandment status as a graven image, while the national fabric itself is fraying badly. Not long ago, I would not believe that this country would create secret overseas prisons, remove protections for the innocent such as giving you the right to face your accuser and hear the charges against you if you are arrested, or justify torture as necessary for national security. I couldn't believe that we would go to war with a country that didn't attack us, using outright false pretenses or ones that simply didn't exist. Yet, there LoBiondo was, voting for a war in Iraq and the other laws while putting the bill on the national credit card. For my part, I just don't fly the flag much anymore. To fly it routinely would indicate support for this administration's policies. I do fly the flag on Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day and election days, where reverence for a long and proud history overwhelm the nonsense currently going on in Washington. Unfortunately, my flag has been hijacked by causes I don't support, so it will stand furled inside my house. Bob Filipczak, Linwood - Atlantic City Press, October26, 2006 Even knowing some of his negative positions and voting record, the Press endorsed U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo. That's unfortunate because we need a representative who will put people before the Bush agenda. Karl Rove instructs Republicans to “stay on message,” but a Democrat who does so is accused of speaking in “generalities or party-line platitudes.” The Press says Viola Thomas-Hughes is not as knowledgeable, perhaps because for 12 years LoBiondo has been educated at our expense. And although she may be less polished as a speaker, we know her votes will benefit constituents rather than special interests. LoBiondo has a $2.5 million war chest; she has about $10,000. He has paid staff in Washington and New Jersey; Thomas-Hughes has a few dedicated volunteers. It's almost impossible for an average American to run for office. However, this year people are angry and disgusted with long term “servants” who have become entrenched in Washington. This year everyone must vote to send Thomas-Hughes to Washington to better represent “we the people.” Bettie J Reina, Milmay - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 LoBiondo should remember Sandman U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo's announcement that he now wants Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign does not excuse LoBiondo from being one of the biggest Iraq war cheerleaders in the country. Having Rumsfeld resign won't end the war. The people who should resign are the senators and congressmen, Republican and Democrat, who continue, like LoBiondo, to mindlessly support the Iraq war and who echo every one of the Bush administration's excuses for why we are still in Iraq. LoBiondo, in his meeting with The Press editorial board, echoed one of the silliest excuses for why we are in Iraq: That the terrorists are too busy killing our soldiers to be able to mount an attack on the United States mainland. The reasons why we have not been attacked again are more complex than that. Republicans around the country are finally turning against the war. It is time for LoBiondo to do the same, or he'll end up the Charlie Sandman of our times, when Sandman ended up being one of the last supporters of President Nixon. LoBiondo should recall what happened to Sandman, a Republican who was then the 2nd District's congressman — voters replaced him with Democrat Bill Hughes. Norm Cohen, Linwood - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006

Three readers name a third choice

The Press' endorsement of U.S. Rep. Frank Lobiondo for yet another term is a mistake. In supporting Lobiondo, you fail to mention Lobiondo's support of Bush's war, his votes for tax relief for the rich and the subsequent extensions of the debt limit that threatens to destroy this nation. In December of 2005 he voted to continue torture in prison camps. In May of the same year, he voted against stem-cell research, a research field that has direct impact on New Jersey jobs. But in 2006 he outdid himself. In February he voted to cut $40 billion from childhood aid and welfare. In May he voted to extend tax cuts for the rich and in June to extend the war in Iraq. In July, through chicanery, he blocked an increase in the minimum wage. Yes, it appears Democrat Viola Thomas-Hughes is a weak and poorly supported challenger, but you fail to mention Bob Mullock of Cape May, who has an agenda better suited to southern New Jersey. While Mullock is an independent, he deserves attention. Robert J. Murphy, Somers Point - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 The Sunday headline in The Press read, “Deadliest month of the year.” The same day, an editorial noted that U.S. Rep. Frank Lobiondo, D-2nd, is a staunch defender of the war, and voted 83 percent of the time to support the Bush administration. LoBiondo supports the “stay the course” politics that have made sad headlines a regular occurrence. The truth is, Lobiondo is a non-veteran who has never served in the military, yet has voted himself a 3.5 percent raise and the American soldiers dying in Iraq a 2 percent raise. Where are his priorities? The Press only mentioned two parties running in the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat and Republican. Where was the mention of the independent candidates? Did you know that in southern New Jersey, there are more independent and undeclared registered voters than there are Democratic and Republican? Bob Mullock is running as an independent. Mullock is a veteran. He has an exit plan for Iraq and will bring our troops home. Mullock has been an advocate for Social Security, the surplus of which will reach $2 trillion by Election Day. We can send a message to Congress by sending Bob Mullock to Washington. Jennifer Iwasevic, Erma - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 The Press decided to endorse U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, based largely on the shortcomings of his Democratic opponent; a sad criterion to base an endorsement upon, but understandable. However, this year there is an independent alternative. We, Republicans and Democrats, request that the candidacy of our neighbor, Bob Mullock, be evaluated by your editorial board and further suggest that your readers afford themselves of the opportunity to examine the positions held by Mullock by visiting www.bobmullockforcongress.com. Whether voters agree or disagree with Mullock is not important as the fact that he tells it as he sees it — no political baloney. At the very least, The Press should provide an arena for open, honest debate not limited by a “two-party only” mentality. Linda Adams et al, Cape May Point - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006

America's values

During the last presidential election, Republicans in Washington portrayed Democrats and liberals as out of sync with America's values. Since the election and after repeated denials of involvement, at least two people in the Bush administration were revealed to have leaked the name of a classified CIA employee to reporters. Since the election and after repeated denials from the president himself, we discovered the National Security Agency was spying on American citizens without warrants required under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and possible infringement of the Constitution. Since the election and after repeated denials from the president, we discovered the United States was rendering alleged enemy combatants to secret prisons located throughout the world. Since these discoveries have been revealed to the public, rather than investigate President Bush's breach of executive authority and execute the check the legislative branch of government was designed to perform, Republicans in Congress are attempting to retroactively grant the Bush administration immunity from any accountability. Nor is the president being admonished to stop his lawbreaking. With torture, warrantless wiretaps of American citizens, leaking of classified information and failure to hold the executive branch accountable, Republicans give a whole new meaning to America's values. If these are the values you think America should stand for, then vote Republican on Nov. 7. If you think America's values should aspire to something greater, then vote Democratic. Dennis Flynn, Pennsauken - Published in the Courier Post, October 25, 2006

Congress too spineless to stop president

I guess when a person doesn't have anything to say about the other person's point of view the simplistic thing to do is to call everything a lie. Mr. Drobny's letter to the editor "Democrats will only raise your taxes more" (DJ-10/19) is a classic example of how delusional a person can be. I'm just wondering how our country is going to pay the billions of dollars in the unprovoked war in Iraq. The answer is simple -- the citizens pay with taxes. Thanks to George W. Bush and the GOP-controlled Congress we will be paying billions for a war that has not produced anything. What does the administration have to show for the war in Iraq? Today, 2,755 of America's finest are dead. The statement made by Mr. Drobny -- "Bush took the fight to the terrorist's backyard" -- is a distortion of the real facts. The Select Committee on Intelligence found no links between Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein of Iraq. Mr. Drobny, did you read the report by security experts that stated the war is creating more terrorists and that Iraq has become the playground for terrorist. It has been five years since Sept. 11, 2001, and as of today Osama bin Laden is still at large. Not a single person has been punished for the crimes of 9/11. It is obvious that George W. and company got our country into this war by lying to the citizens of our country and to the world. Further, the "Military Commission Act of 2006" passed by the spineless Congress and signed into law by the president desecrates the constitution that George W. was elected to uphold. This bill makes a mockery of our constitutional government. Our country has essentially suspended human rights by stripping from the federal courts one of the hallmarks of our Republic -- "habeas corpus review." It is the last line of defense against an unruly executive power. We have a president elected by the people, not a king. It is time for change. We need people in the Congress who are going to ask the hard questions, not be a rubber-stamp. Hipolito Lagares, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, October 25, 2006

LoBiondo's bad for southern New Jersey

As Election Day approaches, I question Rep. Frank LoBiondo's frequent declarations of independence from President Bush. It was on the war in Iraq when LoBiondo, R-2nd, voted to give away Congress' responsibility to declare war to President Bush and approved every emergency appropriation to pay for Iraq with little accountability for disbursements. To provide recruits for the war, LoBiondo voted for the No Child Left Behind Act, which contains provisions that make 18-to-25-year-olds vulnerable to military recruiters by the creation of a special Department of Defense database. LoBiondo stood with President Bush on a prescription drug plan for seniors, which is more complex than the tax code. He also voted to prohibit re-importation of drugs from Canada. LoBiondo, who receives the endorsement of several labor unions, has sided with Bush to allow the take-back of health and pension benefits, the loss of overtime pay for millions of workers and the denial of a minimum wage increase until this election year. LoBiondo likes to declare that this election is about representing southern New Jersey issues and not about national issues. But his national votes in Congress do not represent us. He votes against southern New Jersey because he votes with Bush 83 percent of the time. He has failed southern New Jersey for the last 12 years. He lied when he signed his Contract with America and said he would not run for more than six terms. So, should we re-elect Frank LoBiondo? Let's help LoBiondo keep his promise. Vote to fire LoBiondo and hire Viola Thomas-Hughes. Karen Padmore, Cape May Court House - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 24, 2006

US can't be world police

The war in Iraq is getting worse. Our soldier are dying and so are thousands of Iraqi citizens. I don't think everyone in Iraq is a terrorist, but Americans are not being respected because Iraqis are losing family members everyday. Sept. 11, 2001, was terrible, but how would we like it if every day we left our homes, we might be blown up? Iraqi soldiers, trained by Americans, have loyalty to their people first. Iraqis are killing their own soldiers. You would never find that in America. We are of a different culture. I think it's not a matter of if we get out of Iraq, but when. America can not police the entire world. Juanita Hooper, Atlantic City - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 24, 2006

Voters need to get informed

I wonder how it must feel to be a member of what is largely seen as the worst Congress in our country's history. These are those congressmen who are influenced by lobbyists representing corporate America; whose paramount objective is to make money, as much as they can and any way they need to, including theft by a variety of means, and in short, greed. Fortunately, some of the guilty executives are “doing time” and more will be sent to prison for their actions. But, we the public must also share in their guilt. Did you vote? Did you know the position your choice had on Social Security privatization? The war in Iraq? Minimum wage? Migrant workers?If you answered no, then you are as guilty as they are, guilty of sending our young men and women to their deaths and destroyed bodies, under weak and confused leadership, without any thought of an exit plan. Guilty of accepting the chaos that is being used to subvert democratic principles under another name of anti-terror protection. It's not too late to get ourselves prepared to vote on Nov. 7 for candidates who have courage, integrity and honor necessary to lead us out of this. John McIntyre, Alliance of Retired Americans, Cape May County Chapter 01042 - Published in the Atlantic City Journal, October 24, 2006

End GOP Rule

Lust for power and greed best describe the Bush-Cheney administration. President Bush's unilateral Iraq war to win the 2004 election and stay in power and Vice President Dick Cheney's greedy plan to enrich his country-club Republican donor friends were an absolute disgrace. They caused the death of nearly 3,000 American miliary men and women and the wounding of more than 17,000. This outcome is especially disgraceful because it comes from the spineless trio of Bush, Cheney and White House adviser Karl Rove. None of them served one day in the active military. The American dream has been blotted out and the country has been pointed in the wrong direction. We need a course correction, away from the culture of corruption and scandal. We have to change the people we send to Washington. Spare us another cover-up. The best Republican is a Republican we turn out of office. Walter Gollub, Voorhees - Published in the Courier Post, October 21, 2006

Clean campaigns

Fortunately, I have better sources of information about the performance of my congressman and senator than mudslinging ads. I have Project Vote Smart's Voters Self-Defense Manual, the Special 2006 Congressional Report Card of The Reporter of Population Connection and a folder full of letters from U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken, on a variety of issues about which I am concerned, all of them positive responses. I will vote for Menendez because his voting record has been excellent on issues that benefit the less advantaged in our society, including the health needs of our seniors -- not the haves and have-mores that President Bush said is his base. I am concerned about the environment that my grandchildren will inherit. I see the Sierra Club approves of the voting record of Menendez, too. Bad enough that my children and grandchildren will inherit the debt the Bush administration is passing on to them, I don't want them to inherit a devastated environment. If you are as tired of the mudslinging as I am, call your congressman and ask him to support H.R. 3099, the Clean Money, Clean Elections Act, which would provide public financing. That money from corporate lobbyists is not free. Elected officials are expected to repay their contributors with legislation, government contracts and other handouts. Let's take back our government. Audrey Burns, Oaklyn - Published in the Courier Post, October 21, 2006

Change leadership

The November elections for the U.S. Senate and House are coming up fast. American citizens have the freedom to go to the polls and vote their choice. Many fail to do so. But this time it is more crucial than ever. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are taking a tremendous toll on our servicemen. The cost of these operations has reached outer space. And the war on drugs here at home has no victory in sight. Then add the No Child Left Behind fiasco and common sense tells us that we need a huge change in direction in Washington, D.C. For older citizens like myself, we must circle the wagons. "The biggest challenge to the nation's economic health is the unsustainable growth in spending for entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. We need to cut entitlement spending." President Bush made these comments on July 11. Harry J Costigan, Sr, Voorhees, Published in the Courier Post, October 21, 2006

Cuts due to war hurt seniors

Among the many negative consequences of the war in Iraq is the harm done to our health system. The budget freeze forced on the National Institutes of Health for 2007 is a direct result of the budget tightening of the Bush administration to pay for Iraq. Proposed funding for Alzheimer's research is $645 million, down from $652 million in 2006. This is devastating. Another shortcoming due to inadequate funding affects Medicare reimbursement. Doctors are opting out of Medicare to free themselves from this fee structure. The Republican Congress has failed to stop the cuts, thus making it harder for Americans to find physicians to care for them in their golden years. Bush says, “No child left behind,” but it is the seniors who are being left behind. Paul Schwab, Margate - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 20, 2006

US Empire

Re: "Nation terms test "successful' " (C-P, Oct. 9) Well, it looks as if President Bush got his wish. After years of insulting references to North Korea as a member of the "axis of evil" and arrogant warnings to abandon its nuclear development program, North Korea recently fired off its first nuclear weapon test. Bush used the same effective approach to Iran, including it in his "axis of evil" and laying down the do-not-cross line on nuclear weapons. This goading is apparently part of Bush's, Vice President Dick Cheney's and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's master plan for regime change in countries that refuse to knuckle under to Washington's and Wall Street's global domination designs. I don't know when we stopped being a peace-supporting, democratic country and became another sorry aspirant for colonial empire. I guess it was some time after World War II when we began to call ourselves a superpower. That always gets people excited and replaces thinking with delusions of grandeur. It happened to the Romans, the Spanish, the English, almost to the Germans and now to us. I forgot the name of the guy who said, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it," but I think he had good insight. We were once considered a noble experiment in democracy. Today, we are caught up in a war not on terrorism, but of terrorism. We are bent on making the world safe for corporate capitalism. Both parties, Democrats and Republicans, are serving this goal, but the Republicans are more open about it. God help America. Jack Hinger, Cherry Hill - Published in the Courier Post, October 19, 2006

President Bush is denying the truth about Iraq

Bob Woodward's new book "State of Denial" reveals that Henry Kissinger has been advising President Bush about Iraq, telling him "victory is the only meaningful exit strategy." Can anyone now deny that Iraq is the new Vietnam? Both wars were based on false information, both cost the lives of thousands of American troops and tens of thousands of innocent citizens, and both wars rightly lost the support of the American public. Finally, we see Kissinger's hand in both wars. Richard Nixon had a chance to get out of Vietnam in 1970, but kept our troops there three more years based largely on Kissinger's advice. How much longer will American troops remain in Iraq? This November, Americans have a chance to elect a Democratic Congress that will hold Bush responsible for misleading our nation into an unjust war. I will vote for Sen. Bob Menendez and Rep. Rush Holt, who both voted consistently against the war in Iraq from day one. I urge New Jerseyans to join me in voting for Menendez and Democratic congressional candidates. Iraq will remain a quagmire whether our troops remain there or not -- just like Vietnam. Let's bring our troops home and bring this long, sad national nightmare to an end. Eddie Konczal, Monreo Twp - Published in the Daily Journal, October 19, 2006

Stop the war; vote Nov 7

The U.S. Army plans to “stay the course” in Iraq, if necessary, until 2010. That decision will undoubtedly produce many more unnecessary American and Iraqi deaths. A study says that 650,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed to date by both American forces and insurgents. The president questions the study's methodology. I say, give or take 100,000, who cares? Still too many innocent lives taken, and for what? The American public must stand up and make your voice heard on Nov. 7. The only way the war in Vietnam was finally ended was when Congress choked off funding for it. That must happen now. Let's put some balance and reason in our government and tip the scales to allow Congress to choke off the billions being spent (and diverted to Halliburton and other war profiteers) instead of going to American citizens — those of us who need health-care reform, seniors who can't pay for prescriptions, Katrina victims still homeless, American soldiers with debilitating injuries, struggling war widows, and finally, steps to ensure real homeland security. Make your voice heard and vote on Nov. 7. Our future depends on it! Kim Hancock, Linwood - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 19, 2006

Obey Geneva

I already believe President Bush has too much power, considering matters that shouldn't be in his hands to manipulate, such as the Patriot Act. However, I will not stand by and allow this radical president to deface the last remaining shred of credibility that this country has left. If the Geneva Conventions are so vague, as the president has stated, then why has no other country tried to get around banned torture methods? If we claim to be the good guys, then we should uphold the human rights of all people, not just the ones that my horrible president picks and chooses. Justin Long, Haddon Hts - Published in the Courier Post, October 18, 2006

US Empire

Re: "Nation terms test "successful' " (C-P, Oct. 9) Well, it looks as if President Bush got his wish. After years of insulting references to North Korea as a member of the "axis of evil" and arrogant warnings to abandon its nuclear development program, North Korea recently fired off its first nuclear weapon test. Bush used the same effective approach to Iran, including it in his "axis of evil" and laying down the do-not-cross line on nuclear weapons. This goading is apparently part of Bush's, Vice President Dick Cheney's and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's master plan for regime change in countries that refuse to knuckle under to Washington's and Wall Street's global domination designs. I don't know when we stopped being a peace-supporting, democratic country and became another sorry aspirant for colonial empire. I guess it was some time after World War II when we began to call ourselves a superpower. That always gets people excited and replaces thinking with delusions of grandeur. It happened to the Romans, the Spanish, the English, almost to the Germans and now to us. I forgot the name of the guy who said, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it," but I think he had good insight. We were once considered a noble experiment in democracy. Today, we are caught up in a war not on terrorism, but of terrorism. We are bent on making the world safe for corporate capitalism. Both parties, Democrats and Republicans, are serving this goal, but the Republicans are more open about it. God help America. Jack Hinger, Cherry Hill - Published in the Courier Post, October 18, 2006

Let's get rid of Republicans

Has the Republican Party taken lessons in evil with a course in lying thrown in? The “investigation” of Rep. Mark Foley will be more “complicate, obfuscate and deviate” like the phony Valerie Plame deal. Get rid of House Speaker Dennis Hastert and every other Republican in Congress, and perhaps we'll see some honesty return to government. Jack Doyle, Waretown - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 18, 2006

Republicans are supporters of terrorism?

In response to Mr. Patterson's letter "Democrats are appeasers of terrorists" (DJ-10/11), I must say his views are at the least shortsighted and at most downright scary. He uses "examples" such as "liberal professors promote tyranny over historic American liberty ..." What professors? Where? He uses Rosie O'Donnell, Barbra Streisand and Cindy Sheehan as political figures as if they have anything to do with terrorism or the war in Iraq. They didn't choose to go to war or not to go to war. They are private citizens with their own points of view. It's called FREEDOM of speech, one of the freedoms we as Americans fought for against a tyrannical government. Republicans supported terrorists in the past (remember Afghanistan in the '80s? Maybe the Contras ring a bell?) Except then they were called "freedom fighters" because we supported them. We aided, funded and instructed what was to become the Taliban. Then they were called the Mujahideen. One of their fighters/leaders was no other than Osama bin Laden. We sold them weapons that would eventually be used against our own troops a decade later. Republicans supported terrorists in the past, and still do. Remember when Republicans supported Saddam Hussein? The U.S. check on Iranian power was a strong, militarized Iraq. That's why we funded Saddam Hussein for so many years. Repeat that to yourself: Republicans supported Saddam. Republicans to this day swear Saddam had ties to and literally supported terrorists. So, ipso facto: Republicans support terrorists. Republicans favor dumping billions of dollars into fighting a "war" that has produced not less, but more terrorists. Do yourself a favor and research the National Intelligence Estimate entitled "Trends in Global Terrorism: Implications for the United States." The (mostly) Republican actions since 9/11 have basically produced more terrorists, more risks for Americans as well as less money and other resources to secure our own country effectively. It means that every day the Iraq war continues U.S. citizens become less safe, not more. It means the Republicans' continued refusal to admit mistakes or change course aids our enemies. Again, this must mean Republicans support terrorists. We don't even need to go into the slow destruction of the Constitution by the Republican Party. But as a side note, this also must mean the Republicans are against freedom. So, Mr. Patterson, I ask you and other blinder-wearing Republicans: Who are you going to vote for in November? Those who support terrorists or those who want to keep you safe from the terrorists? Your vote is critical. Rob Evans, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, October 17, 2006

Security program based on paranoia

I have just learned that the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is poised to become a national center for homeland-security education and training. This is yet another squandering of public money by the Bush regime to create more fear and paranoia. If they were truly concerned with national security, they would stop wasting the billions of dollars spent on weapons and killing and provide every American with health insurance no different from what the politicians enjoy. Health care is real security. My proposal for making America safe is to force our government to recognize the International Court of Justice at the Hague. This would make President Bush accountable for respecting and complying with international law. America must insist that men like Bush are not immune from international law. When lies are told to justify a war resulting in the deaths of several thousand American soldiers and thousands of innocent Iraqis, and torture is allowed in the name of America, good people cry out for Bush and his regime to be brought to justice in the world court. Sooner or later, Bush will have to answer for his actions. In the meantime, Stockton will lose something important by its complicity in this homeland-security sham. Academic credibility is in the balance. Steven Fenichel, Ocean City - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 16, 2006

The only choice: a new Congress

Regarding the Oct. 6 letter, “The only choice: Stay the course”: To “stay the course” with Iraq's escalating sectarian violence, while Iran and North Korea build their nuclear capabilities, means eventually reactivating a draft of all able-bodied men and women, as some have suggested. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail and take a bipartisan approach, the equivalent of Ronald Reagan's diplomacy-with-a-big-stick. Prolonged war will waste more oil resources and more lives on a war machine, competing with increasing consumer demand for oil, the basis of our way of life. The current Congress, controlled by President Bush and Karl Rove, will not change course, so a bipartisan Congress must exist after the Nov. 7 election. That's the only choice. Charles Andrade, Galloway Twp - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 16, 2006

Out of control

Saddam Hussein and his cabinet members should be released from prison and restored as the leaders of Iraq, as they were before we invaded the country. Then, we should bring our troops home. Under Saddam, the people of Iraq had water, electricity, jobs, and no one was going around as suicide bombers blowing up public places and killing bystanders daily. I recall cars, buses and people moving about just like in any other city. Saddam had everything under control and we came in and made a big mess out of everything and spent millions of American dollars doing so. Foremost and even more precious is the loss of American youths in our military. After four years in Iraq, we are the most hated people in that country, and the same thing goes for in Afghanistan, where the Taliban are regaining all that was lost. And President Bush tells us everything is under control. Edward Kochaniewicz, Berlin Borough - Published in the Courier Post, October 15, 2006

LoBiondo stands squarely with Bush

The Oct. 4 letter, “LoBiondo ignored real war issues,” accurately depicted the role he has placed to significantly reduce the health and well being of the very students who heard the propaganda he preached in their American History class. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, can stand steadfast beside President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. His voting record, printed regularly in The Press, attests to the undisputed fact that LoBiondo has helped, and will continue to help, destroy the treasured history that our country's brave fighting troops have sacrificed their lives in order to preserve. If there continues to be a Republican-controlled Congress rubber-stamping an administration blinded by power with no sense of conscience, then we must share in Robert Woodward's title of his latest book, “State of Denial.” Ruth Washburn, Northfield - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 15, 2006

Election conspiracy?

The exposure of a possible Republican cover-up in the case of alleged sexual predator, former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., is now a conspiracy according to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The exposure, by ABC News, took place six weeks before the mid-term elections. According to reports, some Republicans in Congress may have known about this matter for at least a year and could have taken the proper steps to handle the situation. It appears they instead chose to sweep it under the rug. Gingrich, knowing of the cash cow that awaited him on the periphery of the Republican Party, resigned his own position of Speaker of the House and his position as representative amid ethical violations in 1998. Now he tells us this exposure of government corruption is the fault of the "liberal" Democrats and George Soros. Go figure. I think the exposure comes at a good time and reminds the electorate of the wrong direction this country has taken under Republican "conservative" control of the House, the Senate and the presidency. There is absolutely nothing conservative about this group of Republicans. Nov. 7 gives us a chance to pump out the stinking cesspool of Washington, D.C. Roy Lehman, Woolwich - Published in the Courier Post, October14, 2006

Government lacking checks and balances

Well I'm back again begging people to go to the polls this November hoping to limit the power of the Republican Party. Presently, the Republicans control Congress and the presidency. Because of this, there is no system of checks and balances on our government, With this total control we find the U.S. fighting a war that costs between $2.5 billion to $3 billion per week with almost 3,000 soldiers dead and 20,000 injured with no end in sight. We've had record gas prices and tax breaks given to the oil companies that enjoyed record profits, only to find gas prices lowered just before the election. We have no Osama bin Laden (dead or alive) and we're creating more terrorists than we are killing or capturing. We also have soaring health and drug costs, limited security at the borders, seaports and the power plants (so much for homeland security), but we do have the slow elimination of the middle class and the American dream for our children. We have sex scandals, corruption, coverups, an escalating national debt and a trade imbalance that continues to get worse and is out of control. We have the threat of war looming in the background and few resourcesormanpower left to fight a necessary war. This is the result of six years of total Republican control of the presidency and Congress. It's time we give the Democrats a chance to control the Senate and the House of Representatives to help restore some checks and balances to the federal government. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not that impressed with the Democrats, either, but we only have two realistic choices and I don't trust the Republicans to decidemy family's fate. So go to the polls and vote Nov. 7. It's as important as the presidential election. Also, put these phone numbers in your cell phone. Whenever you have an opinion about policy in New Jersey or nationally, tell you senators and congressman what you think. They should know. Here are the numbers: Sen. Frank Lautenberg (202) 224-6572, Sen. Robert Menendez (202) 224-4744 and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (202) 225-6572. Be a patriot -- vote. Susan Smith, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, October 14, 2006

Bush simply lies about Democrats

Regarding the Oct. 6 article, “Bush lashes out at Democrats”: President Bush says that Democrats don't think we ought to be listening to conversations of people who could do harm to the United States, intimating that if you vote for a Democrat, you are voting to weaken our national defense. This is not just a stretch — it is a lie. As far as I can tell, not a single Democrat has ever held this position. They never said it; they never will. While Bush likes to paint Democrats as morally corrupt and soft on defense, I think that we ought to be able to hold the president to a standard of at least telling the truth sometimes. I don't know if he has told the truth about anything during the past five and a half years of his presidency. I have lost almost all faith in our government to report the truth about anything. Bush is the one who is morally corrupt and soft on defense. He goes after the wrong man, starts the wrong war, then defends his actions even after they have been proven wrong. Bush has taken the art of partisan rhetoric — or lies, as I like to call it —to a new level. Can we never expect the president to tell the truth about anything? David Daniloff, Dorchester - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 14, 2006

Best strategy: vote for change

The Sept. 28 article about Bob Mullock, an independent candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, impressed me for a number of reasons. As a voter, I always considered myself an independent who leaned toward the Democratic Party's philosophy — a bit Republican because of the party's fiscal policies, but also a Democrat because of that party's social policies, as long as they seemed financially feasible. As for the country's security, I believed any national politician would embrace whatever actions are necessary to keep the United States safe. However, those distinctions seem to no longer exist at the national level. The Republican-controlled Congress, along with the president, have abandoned any sense of our country's financial responsibilities. And the Democratic Party has gleefully joined the bash. So I guess you could say that we, the voters, are responsible for the mess. Which brings me back to the independent running against Republican Rep. Frank LoBiondo and Democratic challenger Viola Thomas Hughes. I thought Mullock's position on issues was right on. And I wondered why he wasn't running on one of our major party tickets. I would vote for Mullock under normal circumstances, and essentially throw my vote away as a protest. But these are not normal times. And from my point of view, the only effective strategy is to vote for change. And then do the same thing in the next election. Ed Dean, Somers Point - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 13, 2006

The right to protest must never be curbed

Since the United States' misguided invasion of Iraq in 2003, much ado has been made about the need to support our troops stationed there, in nearby Afghanistan, and in other places in the world where they have been sent in harm's way. Bumper stickers and letters to the editor continuously encourage us to do this. It is inconceivable to me that anyone could not support them. But the right to peacefully protest must never be given up, or even diminished, for any reason, be it “national security,” religious intolerance or or any other such murky rationalization. Peaceful protest does not equal either disloyalty or unpatriotic behavior, as long as it doesn't encourage violence. Our right to protest, purchased at great cost in American lives, while occasionally annoying or even downright disgusting, must remain fundamental. The same must be said for the rights of a free press to keep citizens informed about all events going on, particularly those that may tend to reflect poorly on whichever party or people are in power. I have no doubt that, given the opportunity, our president, vice president, secretary of state and secretary of defense would leap at any opportunity to curb or joyfully eliminate the rights of the people to know and understand what is being done in their name. Wanting to know the truth and exposing lies and liars should always be legal behavior. To those who say you should “love America or leave it,” I can only reply that you don't speak for me. I have not given anyone my consent to give away any of the rights that I and every American should be willing to die for to protect, for now and for every generation to come. Those who fear the truth generally feel frightened because it would expose them or deprive them of their simplistic/nonthinking slogans. James Kinsell, Port Republic - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 13, 2006

Black stain

On the same day the U.S. Defense Department came up with new rules forbidding the use of torture on prisoners of war, our "compassionate conservative" president came up with a plan to legalize "harsh techniques" (read: torture). These inhumane practices (from Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo) have incurred the condemnation of every human rights organization in the world, including the U.S. Supreme Court. They are a black stain on America, once the champion of human rights. Now, we are witnessing the unthinkable: a U.S. president asking Congress to ignore the Geneva Conventions and institute "harsh techniques . . . such as hypothermia, stress positions and waterboarding," according to a Sept. 10 story in the Courier-Post ("Plan would bolster CIA interrogations"). In a recent TV program, an American officer described the various tortures he personally inflicted on an ex-Iraqi general. By the time he was done with him, the man was dead. As in several similar cases, the officer has not been prosecuted. Is the use of brutality against human beings, who may or may not be guilty of anything, the best way to fight the war on terrorism? The devastating bombing raids on Baghdad and Fallujah, the torture of suspected terrorists, the moving of prisoners to foreign countries, have done nothing to bring peace to the Middle East, but have created hatred, rage and more violence. Anthony Seminara, Cherry - Published in the Courier Post, Ostober 12, 2006

Crossroads

After 3 1/2 years, Iraq remains the centerpiece of American controversy. With a mid-term election only weeks away, America finds itself at the crossroads of uncertainty. While incumbents and candidates are establishing their positions on platforms of hypocrisy and catch phrases, they are merely smoke screens of deception. Meanwhile, "stay the course" appears to be the Bush administration's war cry; however, it is just a slogan and not a battlefield strategy for victory in Iraq. Unfortunately, the so-called architects of this desert disaster can't hide the casualties and cost of this war simply by just talking tough. Although Washington argues that Iraq poses a clear threat, there is an ever-increasing number of Americans who think otherwise. This difference is underscored by three things: There was no plan. There is no plan. Where is the plan now? The usual political rhetoric might serve one's party; however, it does not serve the American people or our troops in harm's way. The American-led coalition forces charged into Iraq in anticipation of a swift and decisive victory. Shortly thereafter, victory was prematurely declared. Now, we find ourselves embedded in the midst of sectarian violence. One has to ask, with so much destruction and more than $500 billion spent, where is the return on all we have invested? Iraq, like Vietnam, has become a political chess match. While some go about pontificating and spouting moral piety, our ill-equipped troops continue to die and suffer traumatic injury. So here is America's dilemma for November: Stay the course or vote for a change and a new direction. As voices of reason cry out in the raging storm of this desert disaster, the power is not in the hands of the taxpaying voters. Glenn L Baker, Magnolia - Published in the Courier Post, October 11, 2006

Why reward them?

The Republicans' main argument for returning them to office despite the disaster in Iraq is that the Democrats have no plan to get our troops home either. I will grant them that argument. Let's assume the Democrats and GOP are equally incapable of creative thinking and we will be in the Iraqi desert losing lives and limbs for years to come, regardless of this fall's elections. My question is: Why in the world would you reward the incompetents who led us by our collective noses into this disaster? Why re-elect pathological liars who say "We will be greeted as liberators," and then deny saying it? If the Republicans took a large bat and broke all the windows on the block for no reason, we would all agree that we have to fix the damage, but how about taking the bat out of their hands? I do not understand why the president's ratings have not dropped into single digits. A 38 percent approval rating shows that more than one third of the country is still unwilling to admit they were fooled by a frat boy with a smirk on his face and a phony Texas swagger. The Republicans love to point out that we have not had another 9/11. Tell that to the parents of the more than 2,700 U.S. troops killed and 20,000 wounded. Edward Reisner, Cherry Hill - Published in the Courier Post, October 10, 2006

Public must open its eyes to deception

With an invasion of Iran imminent, I feel that the voting public needs to wake up before another round of young men are sent off to war. To aid in this awakening, I implore everyone to research the reasons for our last two wars, as well as the rather porous excuses for our next foray into the Middle East. Do you find it odd that shortly before Sept. 11, 2001, our country's long desired plan to build an oil pipeline through Afghanistan was turned down by the Taliban during a diplomatic visit to the U.S.? Do you find it even more odd that nuclear weapons experts have revealed that Iran is, at best, a whopping 10 years away from even having the ability to build a nuclear weapon? The one great weakness of this nation is that its people are too easily lulled into a false sense of security and complacency. These past two wars, as well as our next one, will not be fought to preserve freedom. They will be fought to deepen the pockets of the men who so graciously allow you to pay their taxes for them. I ask that everyone keep their eyes open and educate themselves, since those in power are relying on you to stay uninformed. Carl Batchelor, Millville - Published in the Daily Journal, October 10, 2006

On Fox, Clinton was justified

In a Sept. 28 story, Fox News chief Roger Ailes called President Clinton's response to Chris Wallace “an assault on all journalists.” That is one of the most asinine statements imaginable. Clinton had every reason to become angered, and it is too bad he could not have punched Wallace in the nose, which would have been well deserved. The smug arrogance displayed by Wallace is typical of Republicans trying to divert attention and blame from the current deceitful manipulating liars in the White House. Tone Bracey, Egg Harbor Twp - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 10, 2006

More Dems needed

I don't think President Bush needs another rubber-stamp Republican in Congress like U.S. Rep. James Saxton, R-Mount Holly. So I hope people don't vote for state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., R-Westfield, for the U.S. Senate. Anything Bush wants, he gets, up until lately since it's near election time. I mean, after all, he has only had to use his veto once because he's had no sizable Republican vote against his agenda. We need more Democrats to keep Bush and his cohorts straight. You just have to look at our pharmaceutical policies, which don't allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry, one of the Republicans' biggest contributors. The bottom line is that most Republicans are not for the small guy. Given the chance, they would destroy Medicare and Social Security while making sure the oil companies earn bigger profits. James Bosch Sr, Blue Anchor - Published in the Courier Post, October 9, 2006

Set a date

It took our armed forces just six weeks to win the war against Iraq and complete the mission as authorized by Congress. Three and a half years after freeing Iraqis from Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, and after suffering 22,000 additional casualties, we are still waiting for the Iraqi people to use this gift of freedom to establish a democratic government. It is obvious that there is not now, and may never be, a unity among the Iraqis that will bring this into being. Our military fought and won an unnecessary war and were then put into a thankless position where our troops' presence can only encourage continued violence. We have been asking our young men and women to give their lives for no purpose. Iraq under Saddam was not a threat to our security. The new Iraq will be no more a threat than the old. We must end this senseless sacrifice and declare a date for our departure. The factions in Iraq have a choice. Establish a democracy through negotiations or create a dictatorship through civil war. But it will be their civil war. They will have to fight it without us; we have already experienced that nightmare. Leonard Satz, Blackwood - Published in the Courier Post, October 9, 2006

Household incomes, wages lagging behind

According to some economists, the economy is moving along at a decent clip, with unemployment relatively low and productivity on the rise. However, this does not tell the true story of what is going on in American households, particularly among working men and women. Income and wages have continued to lag behind the economy. The cost of housing and the exploding cost of health care coverage have eroded the purchasing power and the disposal income levels of working men and women throughout the United States. Wages and salaries now account for the smallest percentage of our gross domestic product. At the same time, corporate profits are at their highest level in more than 40 years. A report produced by the Economic Policy Institute said that during the past five years of economic expansion in the U.S., workers produced more while not being paid more. It said real income is in fact lower for the typical American family in 2006 than it was in 2000. The bottom line -- the rich get richer, the working men and women work harder for less, and the fabric that holds our nation together gets stretched ever and ever tighter. Chip Gerrity, President, IBEW - Published in the Daily Journal, October 9, 2006

Land of the free now land of the secret jails

Congress just passed a law permitting the president to arrest anyone even remotely suspected of being a terrorist, to place them in a secret location and hold them without bail, and to try them and to sentence them secretly without a jury — all legally. This is not “habeas corpus” as we know it. Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or a member of the Green Party, this is not justice nor a legitimate way to fight against terrorism but sheer, unmitigated, unconstitutional power. In the meantime, the war in Iraq, which should have been focused solely in Afghanistan, continues. One can only guess that there will be a pre-election event to scare everyone into voting for President Bush's fellow Republicans. Even my Republican friends are scared of these events, but they feel trapped. It is time that we vote to keep America the land of the free, not the land of secret jails. J David Alcantara, Atlantic City - Published in the Atlantic City Journal, October 9, 2006

Bush ignores warnings again

According to Richard Clarke's book, “Against All Enemies,” in early August 2001, CIA chief George Tenet's “hair was on fire,” as he tried to get President Bush's attention. It is difficult to believe now, but Tenet's message, which was ignored, was that intelligence channels were warning the United States of an imminent attack. If the Central Intelligence Agency's information had been given proper attention, the horrible tragedy of 9-11 could have been diverted. But instead of shouldering blame for the negligence of 9-11 under Bush's watch, this administration has twisted it around to claim it is keeping us safe and secure. Polls show the majority of Americans have their “hair on fire” over Iraq. We are not getting the president's attention, and our fears and sorrow are being ignored while daily our soldiers die and are wounded, and there is no end in sight. There are other paths in the Middle East, if only the Bush administration would open its eyes. Nancy Woerner, Northfield - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 8, 2006

Give me a break

The tax-and-borrow Republicans who have turned the biggest surplus in history into the biggest deficit in history are running ads complaining that Democrats will raise taxes. The deficit is a tax on us, our children and grandchildren. The most fiscally irresponsible Congress in history is complaining that the people who want to restore sanity to the tax code are irresponsible. Give me a break. Forrest Robleto, Cherry Hill - Published in the courier Post, October 7, 2006

Kean poor fit

Recent news reports state that an assessment of terrorism trends by U.S. intelligence agencies has determined that our invasion of Iraq has increased, not decreased, the number of terrorists in the world. Sixteen separate spy and intelligence agencies in our government confirm this. I was startled to recently read a poll that New Jersey's voters think the position on Iraq by U.S. Senate candidate and Assemblyman Tom Kean Jr., R-Westfield, will keep us safer than the position taken by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken. In 2003, Menendez voted against granting President Bush the authority to attack Iraq without further evidence of a threat by that country. Kean's position is that even if he knew then what he knows today -- that Iraq had nothing to do with Sept. 11, there were no weapons of mass destruction and the war would cost more than 2,700 American servicemen and servicewomen their lives -- he would still have voted to give Bush the authority to invade Iraq. I shake my head and am left with two opinions as to Kean's position: that he has an astonishing lack of judgment or that he's not as independent as he claims to be of the national Republican Party and the 2006 party line. Either way, the Kean name or not, he's not fit to serve New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. Eric B Arrata, Edgewater Park - Published in the Courier Post, October 7, 2006

Gas trap

Can we all smell a rat here? It appears that the big oil industries are appeasing voters with drastic lowering of fuel prices in hopes of keeping the failed Republican leadership in both houses of Congress, for which they are the biggest political contributors. The congressional elections are less than five weeks away. If successful, let's just see which way these oil prices will be headed once the high demand for heating oil goes into full swing during the cold winter season. During the last three elections (2000, 2002 and 2004), we've really been taken for a ride by the GOP. The status quo simply will not cut it. Barring voter ignorance and the Republican Party's adept use of negative spin, I expect that when President Bush gives his State of the Union address in January, he will be in an uncomfortable position to find that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will be sitting right behind him and next to Vice President Dick Cheney. Brad Moy, Lindenwold - Published in the Courier Post, October 7, 2006

Foley mess

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken; and Frank Lautenberg, D-Cliffside Park; and U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, D-Haddon Heights, must press House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., to tender his resignation immediately. Hastert and other Republicans in the House appear to have been covering up former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley's alleged sexual advances toward teenagers for years. Only the Democrats and the American people have been sandbagged. In response to his indefensible handling of an alleged child predator, Hastert whined that liberals were out to "get to me." Meanwhile, Hastert's idea of taking care of something means to sweep it under the rug. Eleven months ago, Hastert and House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, discussed the Foley matter when fresh allegations surfaced, according to recent television reports. President Bush said we should still trust Hastert because he's a father. What parent would be lulled into inaction by concerns that election campaigns might be affected. Affect campaigns indeed! The children of America are the victims of those complicit in not bringing Foley's actions to light. Even the conservative Washington Times called for Hastert to resign the speaker's post immediately. Meanwhile, Bill O'Reilly's show labeled Foley a Democrat on Wednesday. The O'Reilly Factor ran an ad for two segments on Wednesday on Fox and displayed it three times. This should be a firing offense. Look for the ad at www.crooksandliars.com. Because of this egregious and deceitful smear, Democrats will lose countless votes come November. Harry J Conrow, Collingswood - Published in the Courier Post, October 6, 2006

Vote for those who will bring troops home

When is someone going to stop our president (and I use the term with regret) from continuing to justify his decision to invade Iraq and have our troops killed and maimed? His reasoning to fight terrorism and to get other countries to be democratic and law-abiding like America is a joke, but no one is laughing. The past couple of days we have seen terrorism at work right here in Wisconsin and in Lancaster County, Pa., not by a foreign enemy but by some so-called democratic and law-abiding American -- one so evil he terrorized and killed innocent children. Just how can we justify to other countries that America has all the answers when we cannot protect our most precious commodity -- our children and the future of America. It is time for President Bush and all his cronies to get out of office and elect people who (whether Democrat or Republican) will put America and the American people first, who will take care of our mounting problems, who will be up front and tell us the truth and be able to say "I made a mistake." We are still at war and our troops are being killed, even though we cannot see the coffins coming into Dover. We can, however, still see our president strutting around like Emperor Nero while Rome was burning -- only now Bush is the emperor playing the fiddle. What kind of message are we sending to other countries when they read the recent news of what is happening in America? We even had a politician -- Rep. Foley of Florida -- tell us how he was going to protect our children from predators when he may have been one himself. Wake up Americans. Contact your representatives. We want action now to protect our children, our people and to bring our troops home. Unfortunately, we had a loved one killed in Korea and no one should have to suffer the pain of losing a loved one for no good reason. We cringe when we buy something in the good old Ameica then see the tag "Made in Korea." What's next -- "Made in Iraq." Albert and Jeannine Giordano, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, October 6, 2006

Bush needs to take different Iraq approach

President Bush's supporters keep saying how well the war on terror is going. They cite constitutions and elected governments. Yet, they seem to ignore other news that paints a different picture. In Iraq, more than 5,500 people have died as the result of sectarian violence in the last two months alone. No data is kept on those injured or permanently disabled. About 2,800 Americans have died so far, a lot more than the 150 that died in the first Gulf War,and Mr. Bush continues to insist that his "Stay the Course" policy is making progress even though he does not foresee an end to hostilities during his presidency. In Afghanistan, the resurgence of the Taliban has grown to the point that the United Nations is asking its members for more troops to meet the increased threat. Since the establishment of democracy, the duly elected government barely controls the capitol city and a small surrounding area while warlords who control the restof the country have turnedAfghanistan into the largest exporter of heroin in the world. It seems that this administration is bereft of ideas for securing the peace beyond either killing or detaining its opponents. This November, we must send people to Congress who will demand that Mr. Bush explore other alternatives and engage the world community, including Arabs, in the peace process. Spreading democracy at the point of a gun is surely not working -- it never has. Nick Reina, Milmay - Published in the Daily Journal, October 5, 2006

Billions wasted to "stay course"

One hundred and ten billion dollars for war costs in Iraq during next fiscal year. It just rolls off your tongue. Steve Wynn built his newest Las Vegas casino for $2.7 billion. Think about it in terms of 41 new Wynn casinos. That’s a lot of money to “stay the course” in a failing war continued by the worst administration in our history. William Van Sciver, Somers Point - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 5, 2006

LoBiondo ignored real war issues

The Sept. 23 article on Rep. Frank LoBiondo’s visit to Ocean City High School’s Advanced Placement American History class noted that the 2nd District Republican told students to “never forget 9-11 and watch out for radical Muslims who will kill us or take us over.” LoBiondo did not go into detail about his support for the Bush administration’s pre-emptive Iraq invasion and the death and devastation that followed, even though it has been proven that the country had no connection to Sept. 11, 2001, and was in no position to harm us. Nor did LoBiondo say that the cost of the war has put our country in debt that the students will inherit. LoBiondo has said no to bringing our troops home and replacing them with an international peacekeeping force, no to opposing a doctrine of pre-emptive war; no to reducing the Pentagon budget 10 percent per year for three years in order to fund investments for urgent domestic needs, and no to reinstating the federal assault-weapons ban.Since LoBiondo is running for Congress for the seventh time, it would behoove the OCHS Advanced Placement class to invite his opponent, Viola Thomas-Hughes. We know that our bright and intelligent students would wish to hear the other side of the coin. John Canderan, Betty Canderan, Cape May Court House - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 4, 2006

Gas dropping - but why?

Of late, gas prices have fallen close to $1 per gallon. Isn’t it wonderful? Has anyone in the know explained why?I don’t want to be cynical, but could there be a movement out there to influence our vote in the November election by making us feel wonderful?Let’s wait until Thanksgiving time and see if we still feel wonderful. Jack Kratsas, Absecon - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 4, 2006

Creating terrorists

I am neither a Democrat nor Republican, and thus have no party affiliation in which to conform. This country sat and watched the Republicans waste millions of dollars of the taxpayers' money (yours and mine) to impeach a president for lying about his infidelities while in the White House. That money could have been better used protecting this nation, and stopping terrorism, which the Clinton administration warned the Bush administration about as they were walking out the door. The Bush administration did not take heed. Rather, it used the threats of terrorism to its advantage, and our president sat on 9/11 and read about goats for seven minutes to a group of children, who today, when asked as 11- and 12-year-olds, wonder why the president chose to stay with them rather than leave and tend to the emergency. Our government created 9/11 to attain a greater mission that benefits only members of government. It is not the spread of democracy in the Middle East. Looking at articles and photos from the foreign press, we are certainly not winning their hearts and minds. Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11. Osama bin Laden is brought out every time the government needs to scare us into some kind of knee-jerk reaction. If we want the terrorism to end, our nation should stop invading countries, force-feeding democracy to cultures that don't want it, stop stealing land (or supporting those who do) and raping other nations of their oil. Perhaps then, the "terrorists" will leave us alone. Richard Bauer, Mount Ephraim - Published in the Courier Post, October 4, 2006

This Republican isn't so upbeat

The Sept. 25 letter, “Don't blame Republicans,” reminded me of the Hindu fable of the six blind men and the elephant, each describing only what they could touch. The writer of that letter sees a booming economy. I'm a Republican, and I see real wages for most Americans are down as benefit costs skyrocket. More Americans are in poverty and without health insurance. Saving rates for our citizens are at record lows, and our budget and trade deficits are at record highs. We have mortgaged our future, while failing to have the political will to do anything about the looming Social Security and Medicare crises. Low unemployment? Tell that to an auto worker. Low interest rates? Tell that to someone worried about the easy money they borrowed at a variable rate in a declining housing market. Fledgling democracies in the Middle East? Tell that to someone from Iraq, where violence, torture, murder rates and the number of terrorists are all on the rise. Also, tell it to the U.S. soldier and his family who has been told he's going back or has to stay in Iraq. Tell that to an American who has now spent, for this war of choice, the equivalent of $100,000 per Iraqi household with no end in sight, while at home we have no energy policy, environmental protection and weak homeland security. As with the six blind men, it depends which part of the elephant you're touching. For Bush's friends and the wealthiest top 2 percent, things may look good, but for most of us on the other end of the elephant, something stinks. Paul Utts, Northfiels - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 3, 2006

Soon, Iraq war will pass WWII

A Press of Atlantic City headline on Sept. 23: “America's war dead now equal toll of 9-11.” The missing headline: “In two months, America's time spent fighting in Iraq will equal America's time fighting WWII.” David Woodland, Northfield - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 2, 2006

It's never right to kill civilians

Regarding the Sept. 25 letter, “Today's media change how war is perceived”: The intentional targeting and firebombing of women and children in past wars was wrong then and it is wrong now. As members of the civilized human race we need to have rules in peace and war — the base line of which might be to acknowledge that innocents should not be slaughtered to expedite the winning of a war. If we cannot agree that this is an absolute bottom-line value, then we are not fighting against tyranny and terrorists — we become tyrants and terrorists. If, as was suggested, we resort to their tactics rather than uphold our own standards, then why fight at all? If we are like them, we may as well join them. Then together as barbarians we can find someone else with the moral conviction and standards we used to have and terrorize them. John Carpino, Town Bank - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 2, 2006

US must not sink to level of terrorists

The Sept. 22 letter, “Death penalty unfair for soldiers,” suggested that American military personnel are held to an unfairly high standard in observing rules of engagement. The writer complained about Iraqis who “have no qualms about strapping bombs on themselves and blowing up public places, thereby killing innocent people.” She then suggested that Washington “let our guys play by the same rules as the Iraqis.” Really? Leaving aside the difficulty of finding American volunteers for suicide missions, one is forced to wonder which of our policy objectives in Iraq (pick one — the president churns out revised ones regularly) will be served by American soldiers adopting terrorist tactics. I do agree, however, that the four soldiers accused of killings near Samarra should not face the death penalty. Just as the death penalty coarsens society by pasting a fig leaf of legality on what amounts to murder, so this woman's ill-advised suggestions would destroy our already tattered claim to any moral high ground in Iraq. Terrorism is terrorism; murder is murder. Let's not indulge in either. John Higbee, Smithville - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 2, 2006

Iraq link made

The Bush administration claims it never said Iraq had anything to do with 9/11. Yet, nearly 70 percent of the people believed Iraq was involved with the terrorist attacks on 9/11. How clever and deceitful of administration officials. By mentioning Iraq every time they spoke of 9/11 or terrorism, they succeeded in persuading loyal Americans to invade Iraq. Never mind that the administration was warned of the consequences by those such as former Secretary of State Colin Powell who said, "If you break it, you own it." And after nearly 3,000 brave Americans soldiers' lives have been lost and more than 20,000 maimed in this war, President Bush was still trying to link Iraq with 9/11 in a recent nationally televised speech. The American people should be shouting. Enough is enough. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Bob Dippi, Mount Laurel - Published in the Courier Post, October 2, 2006

This fall, vote against Bush

Regarding the Sept. 24 letter, “Bush deserves to be impeached”: The letter writer isn't alone in his feelings. I've been reading basically the same thing time and time again. I would like to suggest to him that he gets as many people he knows who feel as he does to get out and vote in November. As long as we have a Republican Congress and Senate, Bush will be in power. Hopefully, the votes counted will go to the people they are intended for. Madeline Harshman, Cape May - Published in the Atlantic City Press, October 1, 2006