Gas prices

Wow, don't believe for one minute all the decreases in gas prices are because of supply and demand. It is an election year. All the incumbents want to be re-elected. Once back in, gas prices will go up again. The oil companies, could they have been donating to the campaigns? Could they have been under review for their outrageous profits? The oil rigs damaged by Hurricane Katrina, are they running yet? The Alaskan pipeline, has it been fixed yet? Oil prices per barrel, have they fallen by a third? Come on people, this is a game that citizens, government and big business play. The surcharges added to the delivery of food because of the price of oil, have you seen the prices come down on food? It is a game. Wake up and enjoy the lower gas prices while they're here. Sure, the government needs a big holiday retail business to show people the economy is strong. What better way to do so than to lower gas prices to show Americans the economy is rebounding. Go out and spend money on the holidays so the government can get you to pay taxes in April, if you can pay your holiday credit card bills. Then get ready for gas prices to rise again. Come on, how about the newspapers doing a little honest reporting for a change and taking a stand on what is truly happening. Merrill H Morrison, Cherry Hill - Published in the Courier Post, September 30, 2006

Election act shows lack of integrity

On Sept. 20, the House of Representatives passed H-4844, which the House calls the "Federal Election Integrity Act." I think this House bill can be more appropriately called the "Federal Election lack of Integrity Act." It is a shame that with so many pressing issues facing our country, Congress is so devoid of ideas and solutions to our nation's problems. Our politicians in Washington, DC, are part of the problem in this country. This act requires several items on the part of the citizens of our country. First of all, under this act you have to prove that you are a citizen before you vote. I viewed this action by our spineless Congress as undemocratic and myopic. This is another poll tax to disenfranchise the citizens of our country. The second item required by this worthless measure is that you as a citizen of this country must present a picture identification card before voting in an election. Another brilliant idea by the Republican-controlled Congress. This is un-American! There are 20 millions Americans who don't have any kind of picture identification in our country. This is another ploy by the Republican-controlled Congress to stay in power. This act does not advance the cause of democracy in our country. These are the same people who are talking all the time about spreading democracy and freedom abroad. They are a joke. Our politicians already do enough harm to our democratic way of life, especially politicians who are in office too long. Take for example our own Congressman, the Hon. Frank LoBiondo; do you recall when he supported the idea of term limitations? All of a sudden Mr. LoBiondo is against term limitations. Politicians manipulate the system to stay in power. I hope that the U.S. Senate has some better sense than our Republican leaders in the House. Democracy should reflect the will of the people, not the government. Hipolito Lagares, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, September 30, 2006

Political move?

What a complete surprise. Gas prices are falling dramatically two months before the election. I'm completely flabbergasted. Robert C Sweeney, Cherry Hill - Published in the Courier Post, September 29, 2006

Too long

How long will the American people be subjected to the snow job of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney? Isn't six years long enough for us to hear all the excuses, alibis and lies about how the problems we face were caused by others? At the outset, former White House terrorism adviser Richard Clarke said Bush didn't want to hear about the prospect of terrorism. Sept. 11 happened on Bush's watch. Bush's intelligence couldn't connect the dots. He tailored the intelligence and military to suit his own purposes. Bush's Iraq blunder was a flawed plan for war and included no plan for security and occupation. L. Paul Bremmer, the former U.S. dministrator in Iraq following the fall of Saddam Hussein's government, was a disaster. Bush's only purpose for his next two years is to destroy Social Security and the middle class. For their next unilateral war against Iran, instead of putting other people's children in harm's way, put Bush, Cheney, White House political adviser Karl Rove, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and their children in harm's Walter Gollub, Voorhees - Published in the Courier Post, September 29, 2006

Bush makes us the terrorists

In the five years since 9-11, George W. Bush, a born-again Christian or the devil incarnate, acting on “misinformation,” has devastated a country and killed more than 45,000 Iraqis. Yet not a single politician has demanded his impeachment or trial for war crimes. Bush claims we are fighting a war against terrorism. We are the terrorists, and our actions are creating more daily. It's little wonder the hatred against us grows every day. We have accomplished nothing and are rapidly spending ourselves into bankruptcy. Where are our church leaders? On Sunday they pray for our boys overseas but never mention the sins and crimes against humanity we are creating. Speak up, America. It's later than you think. Richard Smith, Marmora - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 27, 2006

Time to admit Iraqi mistake

Now that we are in our fourth year of the Iraq liberation, questions beg to be answered. When is the time to bring our military home? I admit, I was a proponent of going into Iraq. I bought into the talk of weapons of mass destruction. Turns out that this has been a colossal error. It is time for everyone to admit this and focus on more important areas, such as Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan. It's time to bring the men and women home. Steven Vanaman, Pleasantville - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 24, 2006

Bush deserves to be impeached

Several years ago, I criticized the Iraq war and the dictatorial U.S. regime that is now in office, suggesting that they be impeached. How many more years will it be until the American people realize the real terrorist threat in this country is George W. Bush and his cronies? Iraq was never a threat to the United States, and the troops he sent over there aren't defending the freedoms or security of America, unless Exxon-Mobil and the other oil companies and arms manufacturers are considered the United States of America. This man and his regime are habitual liars and should have been impeached long ago for the murder of the Iraqi people and American soldiers and now the spying on U.S. citizens. How much longer can we not take action? Impeach him now. James Bednar, Mays Landing - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 24, 2006

Take a stand against Bush

The Sept. 9 edition of The Press was certainly one to save. The headline on the front page, “Report: Al-Qaida, Iraq link unfounded.” On Page 5, “Halliburton branch sued over alleged fraud of U.S.” Also on Page 5, “Rumsfeld forbade post-war plans, general says.” What has this administration done to our country, and how will we ever recover? Where will it all end? What do we need to do to change the direction? These are questions we should be asking any candidate, and never mind following the party. The party should be following the people. Wake up, Americans, before it is too late. Lorraine Reitano, Hammonton, Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 23, 2006

Oversight welcome

Re: "Activist judges" (letters, Sept. 12). The writer takes exception with columnist Molly Ivins for praising Judge Anna Diggs' ruling against warrantless spying. Maybe the writer has forgotten that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act provides for emergency warrantless eavesdropping, but requires a warrant to be eventually secured from a judge. If President Bush was confident about the legality of his program, why would he keep it secret from all but a few members of Congress and the American people for more than four years? This president has been given wide latitude by a Republican Congress that has forgotten its oversight responsibilities. Frankly, I resent a government which has used the tragedy of 9/11 to promote its oppressive curbing of civil rights, operates in secrecy, restricts the free flow of information and even manufactures news. So, if upholding the Constitution is "activist," here's hoping Bush's successors continue appointing judges who will do just that. By the way, tobacco fines have been reduced, Exxon-Mobil has yet to pay fully for the Exxon-Valdez spill cleanup and Bush has shifted the burden of cleaning up Superfund sites to U.S. taxpayers. Nick Reina, Milmay - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Not a threat

President Bush was wrong to try to equate the war in Iraq and 9/11. These two events are separate and have nothing to do with each other. Bush was incorrect in his assertion that Iraq posed a "clear threat" to the United States. He should have added that Iraq was not a "clear threat" to the United States until his administration illegally invaded Iraq, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of innocent Arabs. Our illegal invasion has set the Middle East in flames and is the prime reason for terror attacks. The United States has interfered in Middle East governments for decades. The reason is simple -- liquid gold in the form of oil. We need an energy policy that makes us less dependent on Mideast oil wells. This administration has fought for big oil and the result is the United States being oil-dependent. This invasion has cost the U.S. taxpayer close to $1 trillion. I am sure that if this amount had been put to use in an energy policy, our dependence on oil would be minimal. Bush's misguided Middle East policy has made Americans less secure than at any time in our history. Rober Draper, Mickelton - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Get out of Iraq

Pull all U.S. troops out of Iraq immediately. We never had the right or a valid reason to invade and occupy that country. We were sold a bunch of lies. There are factions of people there who have hated each other for centuries and they now hate us as occupiers. We may have had a chance to win some of them over, but Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's incompetence and idiotic policies, as detailed in Thomas E. Ricks' book Fiasco, took care of that. I feel sorry for the Iraqis, but I feel more sorry for our troops. I'm sure we've accomplished some good there, but I honestly don't care enough about electricity for Iraq to have our kids killed and maimed for it. We're creating more terrorists there than we're eliminating. It's time to move our troops to Afghanistan or Pakistan to hunt al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden, or home to help guard against terrorists. Let the Iraqis work out their system of government. I couldn't care less about "cutting and running." Our soldiers have tragically died in vain, and only a fool like President Bush allows more to be killed in vain. If oil is the concern, institute programs to force us to become self-reliant as we wave goodbye to Iraq. David Lipshutz, Voorhies - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Fighting back?

Are the insurgents in Iraq doing anything that patriotic Americans wouldn't be doing if a foreign army invaded our country? Would we ever give up? Rachel Lerner, Lindenwold - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Election strategy

There is an election about to take place. The Republicans will do anything to maintain their majority and stay in power. They could not stand the light of day. It is a campaign of coverups. What can we think of a president who would start a war to win an election and enrich his country club friends, putting other people's children in harm's way? The death of nearly 3,000 U.S. military men and women, the wounding of 30,000 others, and the waste, fraud and mistakes in the war are in furtherance of President Bush's blunder. This lust for power and greed is disgraceful, and Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney should be impeached. This is a spineless pair who did not serve one day of active-duty in the military. Bush is setting the American people up for unilateral war against Iran. That is the Republican plan -- start a war and win the election. Walter Gollub, Voorhies - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Downward spiral

There's no denying our troops are caught in a civil war. We need to get out of Iraq and let the newly elected leaders resolve their own differences. As each day passes, there are countless atrocities and fatalities for our troops, citizens and Iraqis. Obviously, a democracy has not been formed at the point of a gun. The Iraqis are not better off today than before we "liberated" them. And yet the Bush administration continues its usual spin and name-calling when others disagree. Admittedly, the Iraq war was falsely contrived by this administration and based on lies and deceit. President Bush continues to humiliate our core of democratic principals. We were once the "good guys." But in the eyes of the world, we are no longer those guys. If Bush gets his way, he will amend the humane principals of the Geneva Convention. This change would condone torture and adversely put our troops at risk. He snubs the wiser judgment of former Secretary of State and military chief Colin Powell and former prisoner-of-war, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Other Republicans have also distanced themselves from Bush's efforts. His ideology is that of a dictator. Apparently, Bush is blinded by his power and arrogance. We, as a people, should not allow our cherished democracy to be destroyed by our leader's downward spiral of inhumanity. Jessica Flynn, Magnolia - Published in the Courier Post, September 23, 2006

Gold Star Mothers

On Sept. 14, 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers' Day. There is not a mother in America who wants to be a member of the organization. How is it that so many people have no idea what we represent? A Gold Star mother and the entire Gold Star family and friends grieve the loss of their fallen loved ones in a war, regardless of what branch of the military or what war. Gold Star mothers carry a great burden of grief. We proudly honor our sons and daughters who have made the supreme sacrifice so our great nation can continue to live in freedom and security. Gold Star mother chapters across the country give support to their local veterans' hospitals and help with and attend ceremonies to honor our veterans. We encourage Americans to remember us this Sunday. Display your flags as a public expression of our nation's sympathy and respect of our Gold Star mothers. We know the price of freedom. We now call on all Americans to join us in prayerful support. Reflect on the lost dreams of mothers and their fallen loved ones. Time allows us to accept our loss, but the pain never goes away. Gold Star mothers come together to ease the burden and to serve others. This organization is open to all mothers of a soldier killed in combat as well as those who died while serving in the military and can be found on the Web at www.goldstarmoms.com. Judith A Tapper, Mother Navy SEAL David M Tapper, Atco - Published in the Courier Post, September 22, 2006

It's clear how history will judge George Bush

No amount of determined single-mindedness or public display of patriotism by President Bush can make him anything more than a failed president and his administration a disaster. The Bush administration has misled this nation from the start. It is amazing and disheartening that they still get away with it. It is disappointing that more people across the political spectrum do not speak up clearly in opposition to this arrogant and hypocritical presidency. Many Americans were morally offended and repelled by the behavior of Bill Clinton in the Oval Office and his attempt to wriggle his way out of the situation; why are they not more outraged and repelled by this administration's ineptitude, blatant cronyism, its turning a surplus into a huge deficit and, worst of all, putting the lives of our soldiers at risk in a personally vindictive war in Iraq where carnage is continual? It does not require a Nostradamus to predict history's judgment of the Bush era. It will be seen for what it is: A time when the nation was led on a wild goose chase instead of uniting with a multitude of allies to fight global terrorism. From Halliburton's profits on unbid contracts to the miserable federal response to Katrina, the Bush administration has shown its colors for all to see. Midterm elections are coming up, and there may very well be a significant change in the balance of power in the Congress. Let us hope that the well-oiled, well-heeled Republican machine does not come up with some fabulous piece of good news just before the vote. If it does, fellow citizens, let us not be fooled this time. Jerry Hyman, Ventnor - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 21, 2006

Gary Trudeau's right about Bush team

The truth is that Garry Trudeau pokes fun at almost everyone and everything. He was just as tough on Bill Clinton. I don't recall many complaints back then. Right now, the great majority of folks who complain about Doonesbury are the right-wingers who are anything but open-minded. President Bush and his team have loused up big-time in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have diluted our environmental laws, shredded our Constitution and ruined our economy by creating a huge national debt. They created hatred and disrespect toward our country by many people around the world, made America less safe with their unilateralism and crushed some of our civil liberties. They have allowed torture of prisoners to be part of our policy, held prisoners indefinitely without charging them with anything and divided our country like it hasn't been divided in a long time. Bush is the worst president we have ever had. Trudeau merely pokes fun at him. Many of us think he should be impeached. Ed Doughty, Linwood - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 20, 2006

Doonesbury cartoon worthy of applause

I recommend that the writer of the Sept. 14 letter, “Time to dump Doonesbury,” take a non-prejudiced look at what this president has crafted: Two chaotic wars without end, priceless lives lost, thousands wounded, less freedom at home and a world that hates us. What is being promoted as a “mission accomplished” is nothing more than a hollow sham, far short of what was ever expected or what anyone should reasonably accept. I suggest the letter writer review the Paul Campos column printed in The Press the same day, “Only war Bush is winning is the propaganda war.” On the basis of that candid analysis, Garry Trudeau should be applauded and signed to a long-term contract. Fred Huntey, Mays Landing - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 20, 2006

Biting cartoon paints accurate picture

Regarding the Sept. 14 letter writer who said that it's time to put the “America-basher” Doonesbury in the recycle bin: Sir, with all respect to you, America is all about free speech, and free speech really means “critical speech” — an example of which is your own letter to the editor. Far from bashing America, Garry Trudeau is totally pro-America. What he is bashing is the lowering of our American standards of government, education and medical care, to cite just some issues. What he is pointing out is that our government has dropped to a level of incompetence never seen before. Yes, there are, in fact, institutions that accept students on the basis of their parents' fame and money, not scholastic quality. There are, in fact, more than 40 million people in the United States without adequate or, all too often, any medical or dental care. And as for putting an amputee from the Iraq war in our faces? Yes, we are, in fact, in a blundering, ill-thought-out war that was irrelevant to Sept. 11 or to any of the other pretexts cited. This war has turned into a deadly swamp for our soldiers, contributed to the destabilization of the whole region and cost the United States respect everywhere in the world. If Trudeau does not put the amputee in our faces, who will? Our government forbids photographs of our returning military dead. Maybe they think we won't notice. If what America is now is your ideal of “our way of life,” let me assure you that it is not that for the majority of us. Yes, Doonesbury portrays President Bush as a fool, and a tragic fool is what he is. I am sorry if that stings you; it stings me, too. His entire two terms are like a bad dream we need to wake up from; this cannot really have happened. As to whether Doonesbury is funny, I recommend some study of the nature of humor, which more often than not has its roots in hostility and tragedy, not in Blondie. Alan Kligerman, CEO, AkPharma Inc, Pleasantville - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 20, 2006

Administration didn't plan for post-war Iraq

On the same day the Senate released a report confirming that Saddam Hussein never had ties with al-Qaida, we also learned that Donald Rumsfeld refused to consider planning for post-war Iraq. According to Brigadier General Mark Scheid, the secretary of defense actually threatened to fire anyone who discussed post-war plans. Our poor troops never had a chance. How can the president continue to go on television and continue to draw illusory links between al-Qaida and Iraq? Will he never be held accountable for his actions and words? More than ever, I am proud of my representatives in Congress: New Jersey's Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and Rep. Rush Holt. These intelligent, courageous men opposed Bush's war from the start, and continue to call for an end to our mistaken involvement in Iraq. If the rest of our country had such wise leadership, we could have avoided the unnecessary disaster that Iraq has become. Eddie Konczal, Monroe Twp - Published in the Daily Journal, September 19, 2006

Boost wages

According to the writer, there should not be a minimum-wage law because wages are decided by two consenting adults. The writer regards such a law as compelling an employer to pay more than a job is worth. In this, he is mistaken. No buyer pays more for something than it is worth to the buyer. A competitive business has to keep costs down to compete against other businesses that pay employees as little as possible. But an increase in the minimum wage affects all the competitors equally and, therefore, does not place any employer at a competitive disadvantage. In fact, a law that requires paying a living wage puts more money into the pockets of the lowest-paid people and makes them better customers. That's good for business. An increase in the minimum wage would add relatively little to the cost of the nation's labor because most people are paid more than the minimum wage. So, my costs as a customer are only slightly subsidized by keeping the minimum wage below a living wage. But it is unjust to subsidize me at the expense of the poorest people. What is important about any wage, minimum or otherwise, is its buying power. The cost of living has increased substantially since the most recent adjustment in the minimum wage, and this has resulted in a loss of buying power for those who earn the minimum wage. The resulting hardship should be alleviated by increasing the minimum wage by an amount that matches the increase in the cost of living. George Peter Watchell, Maple Shade - Published in the Courier Post, September 19, 2006

Gas Prices

Doesn't it seem strange that right before one of the busiest travel periods of the summer, Labor Day, the price of gasoline at the pump dropped dramatically? One analyst admitted that, although the demand for oil products is up, supplies are up, also. With the recent problems with the Alaska pipeline, one would assume this would make a good case for oil companies to raise prices. This seemed to be the situation after Hurricane Katrina. I believe this drop in prices supports the argument that oil companies can manipulate oil production to fit their needs. Think about it. With dramatically lower gas prices and the November election right around the corner, they have removed one of the main hot-button issues that has upset the voting public. Recent polls have shown this. Could it be that these same oil companies, which contribute thousands of dollars to the campaigns of political candidates, might be getting a little worried that some of their friends in Washington might not get re-elected? I hope the American people will not be deceived by this tactic reminiscent of White House political adviser Karl Rove. Paul Gibbs, Newfield - Published in the Courier Post, September 19, 2006

Iraq unrelated to 9/11, al-Qaida

I am incensed by those who continue to relate our invasion of Iraq to Sept. 11. Imagine that terrorists from Mexico flew some planes into skyscrapers in Shanghai. Then, as a result, China invaded California because lots of Mexicans live there and because China felt animosity toward the U.S. president. That's how much sense our invasion of Iraq makes related to al-Qaida. Our soldiers belong here guarding our nation, as they were trained to do. Ruth Rundgren, Ocean City - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 18, 2006

Editorial on September 11 was unfair to liberals

In the Sept. 11 editorial, “9-11 — Five years later/Seeking clarity,” you stated: “With fear, came clarity” immediately after the attacks. I disagree. In the wake of such fear, people and groups sometimes make poor decisions. Yes, it was a wake-up call, but I do not believe we reached any kind of clarity. We have become a nation divided. In describing the differing views regarding 9-11, you said: “Come now, say others. Terrorism may be scary … but they are mere pests we will have to endure.” This is a creation of divisive TV pundits, not a liberal position, as you suggested. I am a politically involved Democrat and a liberal, and I have spoken to thousands of people since 9-11. The idea that terrorists are “pests we will have to endure” is an extreme viewpoint I have never heard expressed by any Democrat or any liberal. We do believe that we can create reasonable security while remaining true to our Constitution and our long-standing values, but we submit that total security is available only at an unacceptable cost to our freedom. We submit that freedom requires courage and the acceptance of some risk. We are in desperate need of an honest, comprehensive national discussion regarding our national security and our liberties. We need to decide whether we can achieve adequate security and continue to honor our traditional values and our Constitution. Can we be reasonably secure in a world where we are losing the respect of our allies and where there is rapidly growing hatred of us, not only by growing numbers of radical Islamic extremists but also in the general Muslim population? What can we do about it? Where do we go from here in Iraq? Are we more secure taking liquids and gels from airline passengers and waging war in Iraq, or would we be more secure spending that money implementing the recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission? What provides real security and what merely offers an illusion of security? How much of our freedom are we willing to sacrifice for real security? We must decide. We must not sit back and give one man or one president the right to decide for us. If we believe that an extraordinary expansion of presidential power and secrecy is appropriate, we might think of the person we would least like to see in that office and then decide if we would give him or her that expansion of power. We need to bring all our ideas to the table and begin an honest, open national discussion, and we need to begin it now. Gail Frank, Northdfield - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 18, 2006

Israel and US partners in crime

Regarding Michelle Malkin's Sept. 1 column, “U.N., Red Cross ambulances are popular terrorist tools”: Leave it to Malkin to defend Israel's targeting of ambulances. Malkin has a unique ability to make famous liberal-hater Anne Coulter look sane. But Malkin's rather sketchy defense of Israeli tactics is totally wasted. Malkin seems to think the Israeli government would appreciate her support. But the Israelis have long ago given up any claim to the moral high ground in their armed conflicts, if they ever had any. No week goes by without press coverage (all liberal, of course) of intentional attacks by Israel on schools, hospitals or refugee camps. These are “terrorist” targets, because that term applies to anything or anybody being fired at by the Israeli army. But you don't have to worry about international condemnation when you have the full support of the U.S. government. We're partners, you see. We destroyed Iraq, Israel set Lebanon back 15 years, and we'll soon help each other attack Iran. This is the rebirth of the Middle East that Condi Rice talks about. We make a great team. James McCarthy, Ocean City - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 15, 2006

GOP got us into this mess

Of all the irrational letters that regularly pop up on the Opinion page, the Sept. 4 letter, “Only the GOP can save U.S.,” ranks up there with the most inane. The Republicans running the country got us into this mess and don't have a clue as to how to get out of it. I am certainly in favor of fighting terrorism, but I am not willing to give up my civil liberties to suit the whims of the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld triumvirate. When these people tell us that we are unpatriotic for disagreeing with them, we should be on our toes and watch out for what their next stupid move might be. Bill Adams, Linwood - Published in the Atlantic City Press - September 15,2006

US actions helped spawn tragedy of 9/11

Monday, our thoughts turned to the 9/11 tragedy. We pondered this deliberate and desperately hateful act and measured its impact on human lives and how it changed our world forever. What I seek to bring into focus is the realization that this barbaric act did not arise in a vacuum. People hate the U.S., and for good reasons -- reasons that if the shoe were on the other foot, you would fight for too. Much of the world sees the United States not as the righteous knight on a white charger, but as an arrogant, meddling foreigner and crusading infidel who has finally gotten a just measure of comeuppance. We have been busily meddling and manipulating for five decades. Historically, our self-serving efforts to influence or control the flow of Middle Eastern politics has grown a great and terrible resentment and resolve in these people, which worsens every day. I want to remind people that our government supported the Shah of Iran to contain the Soviets. Those policies failed and the reaction to his tyranny cast us out. We supported Saddam Hussein to contain the subsequent radical Islamic Iranian reaction. In the course of so doing, the U.S. supplied Saddam with the nerve gas, which he used on them and the Kurds. Saddam was led to believe by our previous favors we would look the other way at his conquest attempts; it was the U.S. that helped create this Saddam/Frankenstein that invaded Kuwait. Today we support a tiny country of six million Jews amid a billion irate and nationalistic Muslims. Our hands are not clean. In my view, our bullish and ham-handed foreign policies inflame the great cultural canyons between us and the Middle Eastern countries and is further aggravated by a U.S. administration that is intent on trying to grow democracies in soil unfit for them. What more proof do we need that our path is wrong? We have a tiger by the tail, our situation is untenable and we reap the whirlwind. We need to get out of the Middle East. We do not have the moral high ground. It is sapping our wealth and strength as a nation. So wave the flags and feel patriotic, if you must. But while you are at it have some sense of understanding that this situation is largely self-inflicted. Reduce your oil usage and sell that big truck. And when it's time, vote. Vote with your head and not with your heart. Mike Modelle, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, September 15, 2006

Respect earned

The office of president deserves respect, but the person holding that office has to earn it. Did Bush lie? Yes. Did he attack a sovereign country? Yes. Do his policies violate human rights? Yes. So what is the problem with Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson speaking the truth? I am tired of elected officials saying they "misspoke." When our children say untrue things, we call it a lie. They are held accountable for it, and they learn their lesson. Too bad we don't hold our leaders to the same standard. Now, the new war marketing theme is fascism, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has made incredible comparisons of Iraq to Nazi Germany. The only legitimate comparison is that when we blindly follow what our leaders say without challenging them to be truthful and fully disclose facts, bad things happen. Ann Gillespie, Audobon - Published in the Courier Post, September 15, 2006

People seem to have forgotten the horrors of 9/11

"The sun shines, and people forget ...”That’s a line from a song written by Peter Townshend 24 years ago. It can also be used to describe the current prevailing attitude among many Americans regarding the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Monday evening I attended a memorial service at a local house of worship. A mere 40 people were in attendance. Four years ago, hundreds filled the same building. Five years ago, the world was filled with those singing “God Bless America”, waving the Stars and Stripes and making statements like, “Those who love freedom the world over are all Americans, and all Americans today are New Yorkers.”Now, it seems either less important or more inconvenient for many to pay their respects and remember those fateful events. I find it difficult to comprehend that it’s so easy for so many to forget the loss of nearly 3,000 of our countrymen and the heroic deeds of the police, fire, and rescue personnel, not to mention those on the planes. You want to watch reality television? I for one will never forget the live TV images of the second plane crashing and the towers falling. When the firefighters recovered and hoisted the flag in that now-famous photograph, I realized what Francis Scott Key must have felt on Sept. 14, 1814, when “bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”Is it that I am more religious and/or patriotic than many others? I do not believe that. I do not claim to know the answer, only the facts. And the facts seem to indicate that most have forgotten the horrors of five years ago. I offer a prayer that our enemies do not choose to provide a refresher course. Richard Siciliano, Landisville, Published in the Daily Journal - September 14, 2006

Time for a change

I can't believe Vice President Dick Cheney insinuated that Democratic primary voters in Connecticut helped "al-Qaida types" by selecting a Senate candidate who opposes the Republican war in Iraq. A majority of Americans want to be out of Iraq. It is Cheney who is in the minority. I wish the press would start reflecting that reality when reporting his extreme, irresponsible comments. It's ironic that Cheney should bring up al-Qaida. Instead of catching Osama bin Laden, he and the Bush administration have given the terrorists room to breathe in Afghanistan and a new training ground in Iraq. The truth is that Democrats will give us a new direction in Iraq and a more competent prosecution of the war against al-Qaida. Enough is enough. We need new leadership in this country. William Nixon, Mount Holly - Published in the Courier Post, September 14, 2006

In times of tragedy, Americans reach out

I went first to give blood and then to see what the local hospital needed. Others in Monmouth County had the same idea — thousands stood in line hoping their act of giving blood would save lives. At the hospital, hundreds volunteered. We paused and put our arms around frantic strangers trying to reach their loved ones on their cell phones. Five years later, I know that 9-11 alone didn't teach us about the fragility of life — we knew that already through our own individual life experiences. What Sept. 11 now reminds me of is that when Americans see the broken-hearted, injured, homeless or downtrodden, we often do follow the better angels of our nature and reach out our hands and offer that which is most important — ourselves and our love for our fellow human beings. Jacalyn Shelley, Egg Harbor Twp - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 11, 2006

Government has made life worse

Is my life different after 9-11? Well, I can't travel or go into tall buildings without going through some kind of security check. I find my country run by a group of people who have used 9-11 to lead us into a war of choice when we were already fighting a war of need against those who inflicted 9-11 on us. The instability caused by this war has resulted in higher costs of almost everything I do and the products I buy. Because of 9-11, my government tells me that it can now spy on me without telling me. It can intercept my phone calls, e-mails, pry into my health, library and financial records, break into my house to go through my personal property and suspend my constitutional rights. The government is probably spying on me in ways I don't know about. And, I can't even protest a presidential event without being shuffled off to some location that is out of sight and ear shot of the president — all for my own safety. I no longer have unfettered access to the National Archives or public records that report how many pollutants irresponsible companies are dumping into the air and the water. So, is my life better now? Nick Reina, Milmay - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 11, 2006

Muslim teen: we must stay together

Although I don't know anyone who was a victim of the 9-11 attacks, I felt as if America was the victim. Everyone was affected by the attacks one way or another — white, black, Latinos, Arabs, Asians, Christians, Jews, Muslims. That is the definition of America, isn't it? All united as one, as a whole under one roof. I am now 16 years old. As an American-Egyptian Muslim, I was greatly affected, as was my family. I had thought that in my case especially the aftermath of the attacks would affect me tremendously since I am Middle Eastern as well as Muslim. Thankfully, what I had most feared never occurred. And as these five years have passed, I have come to the realization that regardless of what and who I am, I am still an American, born and raised here. And just as this is every Americans' country, it's mine as well. We have to learn to share it and stand by each other at times when our country is most at need. Whatever the situation may be, we all should come together, even if it's five years after the horrific attacks. It took me a long time to accept the fact that the twin towers really are gone. Maybe because a part of me doesn't want to believe that all those innocent people died. I have always gone by the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” So far, the Sept. 11 attacks taught us to stick together as one and not let anyone or anything divide such a strong nation. Angie Gad, Egg Harbor Twp Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 11, 2206

Media muffling Dem's message

Regarding the Aug. 29 letter, “America needs a Superman now”: The author asks why Democrats have been silent while the Republican-controlled government in Washington has plunged our nation into confusion, insecurity and fear. Amicable resolution of differences ended in 1994, when the Republican Party took control of Congress. The House, in particular, under the leadership of Newt Gingrich, instituted new rules that allowed no compromises and have demanded complete subservience to President Bush. Tom DeLay who, as majority whip, controlled committee assignments and pork projects, enforced those rules. Now, his successor does. That is why representatives like Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, and Jim Saxton, R-3rd, vote with President Bush and the Republican leadership 17 out of every 20 times. Their votes benefit the wealthy and special interests, which contribute large amounts of money to the Republican Party. The opposition is not silent. Americans are mostly hearing the message repeated constantly by the administration and the not-as-liberal-as-you-think media. The Internet is full of sites one can access to learn where the Democrats stand on the war in Iraq, Katrina recovery, the economy, health care and other important issues. Begin your research by Googling “Democratic Party agenda.” Nick Reina, Milmay - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 7, 2006

LoBiondo votes against labor interests

Rep. Frank LoBiondo ("Remembering American working families this labor Day" -- DJ-9/2) portrays himself as labor friendly, but he votes overwhelmingly against the interests of working people. He has supported Bush's anti-labor, union busting actions, including changes to the Department of Labor, which in effect has become the Department of Big Business. Although LoBiondo receives a mere 46 percent approval rating from the national AFL-CIO, the state AFL-CIO endorses him, explaining, "we always go with the incumbent." Let's hope the membership is smarter. It's obvious why House Republicans recently made their failed attempt to increase the minimum wage, after years of thwarting Democratic efforts. They knew that including the elimination of estate and dividend taxes would cause the Senate to reject the bill, but enable them, including LoBiondo, to cynically crow about how hard they tried, while blaming Democrats for its defeat. Support for Mr. LoBiondo is support for Mr. Bush's highly touted economic policies. If they're so great, why do we have the highest national debt in our history, more citizens without health insurance, more living below the poverty level, more homeless and more young people unable to afford college? Why has the disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots" increased every year since Mr. Bush took office? His voting record, not his rhetoric, makes it obvious that Mr. LoBiondo has abdicated his obligation to the people of South Jersey. So it's time we abdicate any loyalty to him, quit paying his salary and replace him with someone who will go to Washington as a true representative of the people. Someone who knows what it is to work hard and actually understands the needs of all Americans, not just the wealthy. Bettie J Reina, Milmay - Published in the Daily Journal, September 7, 2006

Medicare cuts will reduce access

As a physician, I am concerned about access to health care for my patients. In 2007, physicians will experience a 5.1 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursements, with additional cuts projected through 2015. Without congressional intervention these cuts potentially could reach 37 percent over the next nine years while my practice costs are expected to grow at a rate of 2 percent to 3 percent per year. Physician reimbursements under Medicare are already well behind my actual costs of providing care. These cuts come at a time when millions of baby boomers are becoming eligible for Medicare benefits, placing greater strain on the Medicare program. Additional cuts compound the discrepancy between actual reimbursements and practice costs, forcing physicians to weigh their continued participation in the Medicare program. This will result in reduced access to physician services for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.I went into medicine to help patients and to improve quality of life, but no business can survive working at a loss over such a prolonged period of time. Medicare beneficiaries should be concerned about their continued access to physicians and specialists. As a patient in this community myself, I am. Dr John Adams, Ocean City - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 6, 2006

Truth about the minimum wage bill in congress

It is refreshing to hear Rep. Frank LoBiondo speak about his efforts in the Congress with fellow Republicans in trying to raise the federal minimum wage. "Remembering American working families this Labor Day" (DJ-9/2) is a nice Alice in Wonderland story. All of a sudden our congressman is the big defender of America's working families when in fact he has voted against those same families he claims to be protecting. Why did the Senate oppose the minimum wage bill proposed by the House Republicans? It is very simple -- the House Republicans along with our representative failed to bring a stand-alone minimum wage bill to the House floor. Rather, they decided to combine the needed wage increase with a controversial repeal of the estate tax. This is a clearly political maneuvering on the part of the Republicans and Rep. LoBiondo. You can tell by their actions that election time is coming and they are playing games with the hard working families of our country. At the same time, they are pretending to be the great friends of the labor movement in our country, when in fact the Republican Congress has weakened every labor law and regulation. According to the best estimates, the bill that Mr. LoBiondo voted for in the House will cost American taxpayers around $267.5 billion in just the first 10 years, and approximately $700 billion in the 10 years after the tax cuts would take full effect. This clearly shows on which side of the fence Mr. LoBiondo is sitting on -- on the side of the very wealthy piling more debt on the backs of our children and grandchildren. Hipolito Lagares, Vineland - Published in the Daily Journal, September 6, 2006

September 11 reminds of Bush's failures

As the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, approaches, I am reminded of the ineptitude of this president. I am reminded that more than 3,000 innocent and hard-working individuals and their thousands of friends and families still have no closure five years later. I am reminded of the numerous speeches from this president claiming victory and even a very nice PR stunt aboard a carrier claiming combat was over. I am reminded that this president said he would go after anyone funding, protecting, breeding and housing terrorists. I guess Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Yemen, etc., don't fall under that category. I am reminded of a military motto, “Not under my watch.” Yes, it did fall under this president's watch. Yes, memos and warnings advised of such an attack before 9-11, yet this president failed us. I am reminded almost weekly that Osama bin Laden is free and mocking us five years later.I am reminded that we are protecting the freedoms of others, however, our freedoms are dwindling before our eyes.I am reminded daily that this president is a failure. He failed after Katrina. He has failed on immigration. He failed the 3,000 families with no justice and no bin Laden. He has failed us on energy costs, gouging and profiteering from big oil. He continues to be arrogant and stubborn with Iraq, costing lives on both ends and costing us billions. Yet, five years after 9-11 happened on his watch, was anything accomplished? Oh yeah, I forgot: More people hate us today than five years ago. Anthony Smitt, Wildwood Crest - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 5, 2006

Bush cuts cruel to troops

President Bush calls his proposed budget for fiscal year 2007 fiscally responsible. After making tax cuts to the wealthy and big business permanent, paying for the war in Iraq and implementing an unproven anti-missile system, there is precious little discretionary money left over for needed social programs. One might give Bush the benefit of the doubt when he reasons that the programs he proposes to terminate or cut represent those that have accomplished what was intended, duplicate other programs, are ineffective or can be accomplished more effectively with state grants. But it is extremely difficult to agree with Bush’s tax cuts that affect the military. Despite Bush’s rhetoric of how much he honors them, he proposes $910 million in cuts to the Veterans Administration, no increase to the death benefit for soldiers killed on active duty, pay-raise caps for soldiers, no tax relief for soldiers fighting overseas and deployed for extended periods, and cutting in half the funds for brain-injury research. Bush has received plenty of support from U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd. Whether we support the war in Iraq or not, we should all stand behind our troops and protest these cruel cuts – and kick out of office any member of Congress who sees fit to vote for Bush’s budget. Karen Padmore, Cape May Court House - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 4, 2006

Election trend

Has anyone noticed in the last two presidential elections that, generally speaking, the states with the best educational systems voted blue while the states with the worst educational systems voted red? This administration preys on the uninformed and the ill-informed. John Gregory, Erial - Published in the Courier Post, September 2, 2006

Letter wrong to blame Carter

Regarding the Aug. 25 letter that blamed Jimmy Carter for radical Islam: The letter writer should go back a little bit further in history. It was not our “betrayal” of the shah that caused anything; rather it was our involvement in the overthrow of Iran's elected government before the shah, and then our role in installing the shah over the opposition of the Iranian people, that caused resentment of the United States and gave strength to radical Islamic opponents. Our meddling in the domestic affairs of other countries' governments has caused many of our international problems around the world. Gabriel Dunn, Newtown, Conn - Published in the Atlantic City Press, September 2, 2006

Hearts, minds were Carter's focus

I have to respectfully disagree with the Aug. 25 letter, “Thank Carter for radical Islam.” The author ignores the cultural and religious friction that has stirred in the Middle East for centuries.Neither President Carter, nor any other U.S president, is responsible for the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East. It was there long before the United States existed. The author seems to forget that the rise in fundamentalist Islam does not exactly spawn from Iran, but rather Saudi Arabia. The author also seems to forget that Jimmy Carter was able to broker the longest-lasting peace accord the Middle East has ever seen.Carter's philosophy that diplomacy and ideas could win hearts and minds is one that Bush should have considered a long time ago. In fact, we should never forget that it was Bush who encouraged insurgents and terrorists to bring it on and in doing so encouraged insurgents to strike our men and women in the armed forces.It is easy to pick on Carter and his administration for the difficult times the country experienced while he was in office, and by no means would I argue that his administration was pristine. However, you do not need revisionist history to see that Carter was a president dedicated to peace and humanity. And peace and humanity are as noble a cause as any. Sean Fischer, Collings Lakes - Publicshed in the Atlantic City Presss, September 2, 2006