Letters to the Editor about Jeff Jacoby's Web exclusive columnPage 4 of 13 -- Historically, this country has reflected far higher principles than what are being defended for the abuse in Iraqi prisons. In fact, those same American principles fueled this administration’s defense for toppling Saddam Hussein. This is why, yes, good, decent, upstanding, respectful Americans are truly appalled that the military would stoop so low as to apparently encourage the abuse that too many are willing to overlook for some principle that escapes those of us who hold our country to higher standards.
To become like those we have so vehemently criticized doesn’t make us better than, merely the same as. Such abusive deeds debase the people we are and therefore how we are viewed. And at the moment that would be hypocrites. If Mr. Jacoby values that moniker, he is welcome to it. Lois Klee
Praise the Lord! Jeff Jacoby and the other neo-cons have found the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and it is "anti-American" Ted Kennedy. In his recent column, Jacoby accuses Kennedy of slander regarding the senator's comments about the prison scandal in Iraq. The dictionary (and yes, Jeff, the AMERICAN HERITAGE one) defines slander as "oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation". So tell me, what is slanderous OR false about his comments? The American government is responsible for those soldiers' actions, and the rest of the world sees the soldiers as agents of our government, as should we. It must be nice to hide behind your 1st Amendment rights and just say what you want without backing it up. For instance, Kennedy did NOT oppose the liberation (you meant war, right?) of Kuwait. He opposed how President Bush Sr. wanted to declare and go to war without even asking Congress and before any diplomatic steps were even taken. The same was true for Iraq. Any smart person, such as Senator Kennedy, knows that the Middle East is a very precarious and volatile place for America, and to be reactionary and unilateral in our actions only serve to further undermine our credibility and reputation ...certainly something that is NOT in the best interest of America. So you may not want to play the slander card...as it could turn around on you as libel. It's time for Jacoby and the other neo-cons to stop hiding both their heads in the Iraqi sand and especially behind the "criticizing the President is un-American and un-patriotic" rhetoric. It is not only a right to challenge and criticize our leaders, but our duty as citizens. And to do it in "war time" only goes to show others (and remind ourselves) that our process for debate, open dialog, and democratic process cannot and should not be derailed. And you don't get to use this right and then decide someone else can't, no matter how strong their message. This, my friend, IS un-American. Continued... |
