Letters to the editor
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I miss my Republican Party. I remember when we stood for being tough on crime. I remember when we were great on foreign policy. Forget social issues, or even smaller government; we were the party that enforced laws. We were the party of the great Gulf War Coalition under the good George Bush (41).
Now we are the party that excuses any behavior done by Republicans or conservatives. If a liberal or Democrat is guilty of something, that is a different matter entirely. Not to say the Dems are any better when it comes down to it.
If waterboarding is against our international treaties with other countries, and against our own laws, it should be prosecuted. Crime is crime, no matter who does it -- that was something the GOP used to be about. You don't break treaties with other countries.
The GOP has had some great foreign policy presidents. Nixon opened relations with China. Started detente with the Soviet Union and the SALT I treaty. Reagan helped end the Cold War, and Bush 41 did a wonderful job.
I'm a moderate, and I miss my old party. I didn't agree with all of it, especially social issues, but on political issues I could support it. Now we are the party that celebrates ignorance over science. When did being an intellectual become a bad thing?
FRANK WOOLF
Wilkinsburg
Get out of there
It's clear to me the U.S. military lost the Afghan war long ago. Why continue to fight it when no victory is in sight within the coming years? The time to act is now. We should give Afghanistan back to the Taliban.
Mr. Obama should modify our misguided administration oversight, as well as the equally misguided Pentagon, with personnel changes that could fulfill his pre-election promise to terminate the Afghan war.
I believe we must abandon the current U.S.-imposed government there, meaning all soldiers removed to Iraq or home and reduce our billions of dollars spent on infrastructure to nil.
Of course that country would then depend as before on drugs from poppies for income to feed the populace: so be it. And we should leave our "ally against terrorism," Pakistan, to fight the al-Qaida/Taliban forces, spending its own money to rearm the Pakistan forces for serious combat -- no help from the United States.
With those changes we could better concentrate on defeating the many centers of terrorism now active in Iraq. After that, we would know whether or not the United States could change that country to a Muslim democracy.
SIDNEY BARNARTT
Monroeville
Now, do something
After hearing the arguing about President Barack Obama and his visit to Notre Dame University, I think that anyone who had an opinion, pro or con, should send a five-dollar bill to the Planned Parenthood Organization. These funds could be used in Third World countries to help control the population -- with the women in those areas giving birth every year to a life that can't survive.
To see the mothers holding their undernourished babies covered with flies, with no hope of living, is comparable to a belated abortion. With proper family planning there is no need for abortions, except for health and rape reasons.
KEN H. DAVIDSON
New Kensington
Update on statue?
I was delighted to read that the August Wilson Center is nearing completion ("Public to Get Sneak Peek of Wilson Center," May 27). It will surely be a proud tribute to one of Pittsburgh's many creative individuals and will be enjoyed for years to come by Pittsburghers and both national and international visitors.
At the same time, I am wondering whatever happened to the tribute that was proposed to another Pittsburgh son: a statue of Gene Kelly. I believe there was discussion of erecting one in the cultural district or possibly by the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty.
Both men are prime examples of Pittsburgh's creative gifts to the world and should be duly recognized.
JOHN P. SHANLEY
Squirrel Hill
Adding to the list
This is in regard to Rick Atkinson's May 24 Forum piece ("They Died for You"). I would like to offer two things to Mr. Atkinson's list of 10 things every American should know about World War II:
11. The U.S. Marine Corps participated.
12. The U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines also participated.
We often overlook those who fought in the Pacific and those who died delivering the products of our industry to distant shores.
PAUL MUDRY
Banksville
They need to know
The May 24 Forum piece "They Died For You" was very inspiring. It brought to mind all things happening during the years of World War II. I lived through those years.
The young people today have no idea what happened then and how many young men died to keep them safe and secure. I have talked to many and they have no idea about World War II.
The article should be read in all history classes. Thank you again.
DOLORES N. FAZIO
Bethel Park
Mutual respect
I am writing in response to the article "Life With 'Boomerang' Kids Can Bring Some Conflicts" (May 19). I am a boomerang kid and moved back home after the end of a relationship to go back to school. I think when older children move back home, there should be open communication with their parents, but kids do not need rules like they did when they were teenagers.
Boomerang kids can be responsible for doing their own laundry, cooking and buying their own necessities. Plus, my room is my space, so if it is messy, it's my problem. I don't have a curfew, but out of respect for my mother, I let her know where I'm going to be. As for the issue of bringing home a guest, I would never bring home a member of the opposite sex under my mother's roof!
CHRISTA CLENDENNING
Coraopolis
Medicine waste
It was wonderful to read about Operation Safety Net ("Street Lessons," May 3 Forum). The doctors, nurses and volunteers who give the continued care and compassion to the homeless of our city are true heroes. I was able to donate unused medical supplies after my father's death to Operation Safety Net. I know he would have been pleased; as a Pittsburgh truck driver he knew the city streets well.
I am a long-term-care registered nurse supporting resident-centered care in our nursing homes. The principle of patient-centered care would go a long way in improving our health-care system. This reform needs to include and address the incredible waste and unnecessary suffering of those who could benefit from donated, or "recycled," clearly identified medications. The pharmacy industry and federal regulatory system need to work together to stop flushing medication down the toilet.
JOAN GETHEN GONCAR, R.N.
Hampton
Not front-page fare
Thanks to the front-page story on "Jon and Kate" ( May 27), I now know how Alice felt as she tumbled down the rabbit hole into the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland.
Should I start looking for the real news in the entertainment section?
RONNA L. EDELSTEIN
Oakland
Our system for choosing judges must be changed
The recent primary election of judges exposes the weakness of our system for choosing judges. Even interested, educated and well-read voters have no real basis for choosing. In fact, most attorneys know very few candidates. And why does party affiliation have anything to do with legal acuity, judgment, honesty or fairness?
The time is overdue for Pennsylvania to adopt a different system (such as in Missouri, where a bipartisan committee selects judges who must face voters after a period of service -- usually a year). Thus the truly ineffective, biased or inept can be voted out. Not perfect, but much better.
JAMES A. FISHER
Squirrel Hill
First Published June 2, 2009 12:00 am
