Why so many sex scandals? Re: “Tony Blair,” Beltway Confidential, Sept. 5
What in the world is going on? Why do we have so many people in government that are obsessed with deviant sex practices? Is it sex? Or is it character that is at fault in the Anthony Weiner case that is inundating the media with a clamor for his resignation?
It appears that his peers are disgusted, which may a good sign. But on the other hand, they may just want him out before another sex nut is exposed in their midst.
Louis Ginesi Dominguez
Warrenton, Va.
Council should investigate, not launch character attacks
Re: “Sulaimon Brown takes on D.C. Council Committee,”
I must respectfully disagree with Councilman David Catania’s assertion concerning Sulaimon Brown’s sunglasses: “As evidenced by the fact that he’s wearing sunglasses, I don’t think he’s come with the greatest spirit of cooperation”. Councilwoman Yvette Alexander chimed in by stating, “even though I am not prepared to ask any questions I wouldn’t ask them if I had because you are wearing sunglasses.” Perhaps I am also being delusional in my understanding that the purpose of the hearing was to gather facts.
Character assassination, name calling and Mr. Catania’s chiding of Mr. Brown — “I have two jobs Mr. Brown, you don’t have any” — were manifest, whereas a concerted effort to get to the facts was not. Mr. Catania, if you truly believe that the investigation is a waste of time and energy, please recuse yourself and let others be about the business of getting to the bottom of this sordid mess.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Let’s not cut funding for vaccines
Re: “UNICEF discloses vaccine prices for 1st time,” May 28.
Forty-seven years ago, I nearly lost my first child to a diarrhea disease caused by the rotavirus. This virus kills about 2 million children each year in the
developing world. Since 2006, a new vaccine has made these deaths preventable.
The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization is the primary funder of vaccines purchased by UNICEF. GAVI aggregates worldwide demand for vaccines. To date, our government has contributed $646.7 million to GAVI. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributed twice as much ($1.3 billion), because vaccines are the most cost-effective tools to reduce child mortality.
In 10 years, the U.S. contribution to GAVI went from 50 percent to 12 percent. Let’s not cut below 12 percent! Not all budget cuts are equal. Some cost human lives.
Bruno Walker
Oakton
Judiciary system needs reform
Re: “Supreme Court upholds radical court ruling releasing thousands of California prisoners,” May 23.
The United States has a disproportionate number of prisoners, excessively long sentences, and more victims of gun crime than other countries. Harsh penalties do not seem to be a deterrent.
There are two solutions to this problem. Either the judiciary system needs to be reformed — as a start, Congress should halve all existing penalties — or, judges, as part of their training, should spend one week in jail to understand what it feels like, before they hand out weeks, months, years, decades of cruel and unusual punishment.
Madeleine Soudee
Washington
