Weakness only breeds more violence
Re: “In the Middle East, the futility of groveling for peace,” Sept. 13
By this time not only the U.S. but Israel should have learned that placating the Muslim world and acting apologetic only fuels aggression against us and the Jewish state. Our conciliatory actions since the Tunisian uprising have only confirmed this view as with our help we have seen the Arab Street overthrow governments favorable to us and replaced then with hostile rulers who are willing to accept our money but rail against us.
The Arab Spring should have been an eye-opener as we have lost influence and status in the Middle East with our confused tactics. Israel has also seen the same scenario as when it tried to appease Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as neighboring Arab and Muslim nations, those enemies have considered it weakness and increased their demands and hostility toward the Jewish state.
Nelson Marans
Silver Spring
More teamwork, please
Re: “Republicans must speak against moral bankruptcy,” Sept. 9
As an American, a Christian and a Democrat who has had to listen to my far right relatives derisively call me a liberal for so many years, I was dumbfounded by the radical conclusions and judgments Star Parker made in her commentary about the moral depravity of Democrats.
As a black woman, I’m sure Ms. Parker has experienced anger when people use the same type of muddled thinking to make judgments about all black people.
I would think that she would understand that as Americans who have different opinions we need to find ways to work together to solve the problems of the country. Vilifying half the country and making all people in that half into the bad guys is not the way to do that.
Shirley Lytle
Falls Church
Excessive campaign spending indicates deeper issues
In the midst of this political season, I am disappointingly struck by the tremendous amount of money being spent on two presidential campaigns and other federal, state and local campaigns. I believe this not only saddens me, but tens of millions of Americans. Viewing this tremendous amount of money being spent by so few people seeking political offices, I feel driven to write this letter.
Considering how most of the salaries for these political offices pale in comparison to the money spent to gain these offices, I truly believe that most Americans have taken off their blinders to realize just how much underhandedness and corruption exists in all levels of our government. Americans are no longer idealistic or faithful about our government officials being pure and willing to go all out to help each and every citizen regardless of our financial status.
There can be no doubt that money buys access to government policies, and therefore, campaign contributions are, in actuality, investments in rich and powerful peoples’ futures! Is there any wonder why so many voters don’t bother to vote? Are my views cynical or truth? Can American government, at all levels, be guilty of some of the biggest white-collar crimes on Earth? Just some questions to ponder during this political season.
Tim Monroe Bledsoe
North Augusta, S.C.
