War on terror only breeds distrust, hate

It is a shocking and ironic revelation that in addition to being a Center for Holocaust Studies, Stockton State College "is poised to become a national center for homeland security education and training." All the noble lessons being taught regarding genocide and the brutal effects of dehumanizing people in the Holocaust Studies will be rendered meaningless with the college legitimizing the insanity of the Bush "war on terrorism." Noam Chomsky said, "The best way to control people is to create fear." The public money being squandered in creating this homeland security bogeyman serves to fuel fear and paranoia. If our "leaders" are truly concerned with national security, they would stop wasting the billions of dollars on weapons and killing. This money could easily provide every American with health care similar to what politicians enjoy. There also would be enough to fully fund all levels of public education and health care for all this is real homeland security! On Oct. 12, Stockton hosted a national teach-in simulcast from Seton Hall University. The recurring theme for me was that homeland security would only happen when Mr. Bush and his regime are held accountable for their actions. When lies are told to justify war that results in the deaths and maiming of thousands of American service people, and most possibly hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens, it's time to take stock of our leadership. To accept money to further this maniacal homeland security business only perpetuates the lies and deceit. Meanwhile, Mr. Bush pushes ahead with military commission tribunals that will have the power of sentencing people to death on hearsay evidence alone. I expect more from a place of learning other than allowing this homeland security center. My comfort comes in knowing that sooner or later, before man or God, Mr. Bush will have to answer for his actions. In the meantime, Stockton College will lose something important by its complicity in this homeland security sham. Academic integrity and credibility are in the balance. Money is not everything. Steven Fenichel, M.D. , Ocean City - Daily Journal, November 1, 2006