Letters to the editor: 03/27/03

Bush is doing his best

To the Editor:

During this time of war, with emotions high, it is difficult to be objective, or even to make sense of it all. One is irresistibly drawn to the news despite the hyperbole and the consistent criticism of our president, who, to his credit, is doing the very best that is humanly possible in an almost impossible situation.

As the issues involving the war on terrorism and the war on Iraq blend into one another, it's equally difficult to remain focused. "When you're up to your buns in alligators, it's hard to remember your original intent was to drain the swamp" is the best analogy I can think of.

But, as we process the Democratic Party's ridicule and maligning of our president each day, supported by the incessant buttressing of mass media, here's something to consider:

- In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed, killing six and injuring a thousand. Bill Clinton said those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

- In 1995 a bombing in Saudi Arabia killed five Americans.

- In 1996 the Khobar Towers was bombed (also in Saudi Arabia), injuring 200 American military.

- In 1998 U.S. embassies in Africa were bombed, killing one and injuring hundreds.

- In 2000 the U.S.S. Cole was bombed, killing 17 sailors, injuring 39.

In each bombing Bill Clinton said those responsible would be hunted down and punished.

And then 9-11 happened, and George Bush said those responsible would be hunted down and punished. He has followed up those words with action; at the very least, he should be given credit for that.

Or think about it this way: Two men, both wealthy. One develops cheap software and gives millions to charity. The other sponsors terrorism. Ever wonder why through the 1990s our government spent more money chasing Bill Gates than Osama bin Laden?

Yes, I am willing to give President Bush the benefit of the doubt that he is doing his level best to do what is right when the consequences of his actions, both for himself personally and our nation in general, are certain to be severe.

Whatever George Bush does, the Democrats and the liberal left will oppose. That's what they do, that's all they know to do. But, until better ideas come from the left side of the aisle (a rare and unlikely occurrence), I'll stand with our commander-in-chief on issues involving national defense.

David L. Snell

Dillsboro

Sylva loses if library moves

To the Editor:

Some of my fondest childhood memories come from the public library in Sylva. I could check out any books I wanted and participate in some of the great programs and events offered by the staff.

Now, with Internet access, the public library also represents a virtual link to the outside world and a ready source of research for everyone. Had the Library moved to Webster when I was in the eighth grade at Sylva Elementary, I never would have been able to use it. My bike could not have brought me to Webster and my feet certainly would not have carried me that far.

I cannot imagine how moving the library to Webster will be in the best interest of the residents of Sylva. When you look towards expanding a library, you should increase the services offered to the public. Otherwise, all you have for your money is a bigger building.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Balliot Jr.

Director

Middletown Public Library

Middletown, Rhode Island

Sacrifice SPIR in favor of recyclables

To the Editor:

While reading The Sylva Herald I noticed that the town of Sylva decided to purchase a garbage truck and use town employees to pick up the garbage. I would like to commend all concerned for doing this as our garbage and recycling pickup has gone downhill during the past several months.

In the same article I read they were also going to stop picking up recyclables in the residential areas. This, I think, is a big mistake. We have been recycling for about eight or nine years. The majority of town residents have been separating recyclables from trash, and the town wants to stop picking up the recyclables?

Town leaders claim they cannot afford recyclable pickup anymore. That's funny; they came up with the money to hire a town manager we didn't need and they always seem to come up with the $20,000 or more every year for SPlR, which I believe at one time was supposed to become self-supporting after the manager was hired. It was stated at one board meeting that SPlR's money would be used to pay part of the town manager's salary.

Come on, guys. Start doing something that benefits the whole town rather than just the business district.

I would also like to express my opinion on the ad the town has been running for a maintenance supervisor. I realize Jack Tollie is going to retire in the future, and I agree it is the right time to hire someone to train for his job.

I think the town should consider moving a current employee into this job. It would be great for morale and it would show the employees they have a future with the town when they can be promoted to a higher-paying position. Several of the town's current employees are capable of doing this job. If the board is unsure of this fact, give the employee the job on a trial basis and let the employee prove he can handle it.

The town maintenance department has been doing a good job working short handed and covering the old areas of Sylva as well as the annexed areas. By eliminating the annual $20,000 contribution to SPlR, the town can not only continue with the residential recyclable pickup, but it can also hire another laborer for the maintenance department.

The moneys there, it's our town leaders' choice how it is spent. Do they give another $20,000 to SPlR or do they spend it wisely where it will benefit every resident of Sylva by continuing our trash and recyclable pickup?

Herb Zachmann

Sylva

Government's view on Iraq based on facts, not emotions

To the Editor:

Last Wednesday, as the war protestors expressed their views at the fountain in front of the old courthouse, our soldier standing guard over Sylva surely had tears in his eyes.

There always seems to be a small group of people who try to impose their views on others. Thanks to the U.S. Constitution, they have this right to protest. Perhaps they would like to become citizens of lraq and see if they would have this right there.

It always astounds me to see and hear those who think they know what stand America should take on lraq and other foreign issues rather than our president and his advisors who base their stand on fact as opposed to the protestors who base their views on emotion.

Remember, you have this right because you live in America, "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

God bless our troops and may God continue to bless America.

Donald E. Parris

Sylva

Recent remarks illustrate why Americans are hated

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Mr. Bumgarner's letter of March 20. Rarely have I read such a mean-spirited and insulting letter. Mr. Bumgarner has only to read his own letter to find out why Americans are so hated in the world. Doesn't it seem arrogant to call someone a "useful idiot" or a person who "lets the French do his thinking?"

Obviously we disagree about the rightness of the war with Iraq. But one of the great things about America is our Constitutional right to criticize our government publicly. In a civilized society one would also expect to be able to disagree amicably through our local newspaper.

As to the justifications Mr. Bumgarner gave for his support of the war, I must admit I'm a bit mystified. He mentions "our economic viability," for example. Does this mean he thinks it's O.K. to attack any country that has plenty of oil or other valuable resources that we want?

This attitude would also tend to bring us down a notch or two in world opinion. Personally I don't see how a war that is predicted to cost in the hundreds of billions of dollars will help our economic viability.

I am also quite skeptical about the idea that this war will protect American lives. I have heard of dozens of American and British soldiers killed, wounded or captured, and by the time you read this there will likely be many more. Judging from the pictures I've seen of Baghdad burning, many innocent Iraqis are also suffering and dying. And when the war is over, Americans will be hated even more, hated with a passion that will surely lead to more violence.

I believe it is wrong to attack another country except in self-defense. Iraq had nothing to do with the terrorist attacks on this country two years ago. They have not attacked us nor do we have any evidence that they ever planned to. We attacked them against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the countries of the world.

I too have lived in foreign countries, Mr. Bumgarner, and it is quite clear to me why they hold the opinions they do.

Sincerely,

Clark Lipkin

Tuckasegee

We should call upon God more frequently

To the Editor:

Once again our nation is in a crisis. As with the Gulf War, 9/11 and now this Iraq war, I see our patriotism, the mention of God and especially, "God bless America."

Let me ask you the question: "Why?" Why should God bless America when it seems the only time we speak freely of Him or call on Him is when we are in a crisis? He wants more attention from us than that.

If more attention was paid to Him maybe we would not be in this position today.

Doris Frady

Sylva

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