Polar bear policy rules out new economic growth

Re: “Telling the truth about polar bears, global warming,” May 17

In explaining his decision to place the polar bear on the endangered species list, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne cautioned that the Endangered Species Act “is not the right tool to set U.S. climate policy.”

Well, isn’t that special! He might as well have spit into the wind on that one. All it will take is one federal judge to reinterpret his limitations on how to enforce this rule, and you can permanently forget about developing new sources of energy or expanding old ones.

This decision inevitably will put “Off Limits” signs not only on lands or waters that are now trod by this animal, but also those that may be in the distant future. And these won’t just be U.S. lands and waters. In the future, no American company that has any connection with foreign interests seeking to develop resources anywhere this animal can or may be found will be able to do so. …

Larry De Meo

North Potomac

Obama often said would talk to anyone, anywhere

Re: “Analysis: Obama reacts fast to Bush on diplomacy,” May 17

I am puzzled about Sen. Barack Obama’s loud and abrupt commentary concerning the president’s remark in the Knesset this week. The good senator has said time and time again that he is more than willing to talk with anyone, anytime, anywhere. ... I believe he should stand and defend his statements.

That others in the world community might consider it appeasement or that he is trying to bribe some foreign power or non-state actor not to attack the United States is the normal stance of the Democratic Party. Sen. Obama stands in good company with President Clinton, President Carter and other party luminaries.

Sen. Obama needs to stand on his principles and not be swayed by current election rhetoric.

Col. R.P.J. Lindseth, (USAF Ret.)

Lorton

Controversy attended opening of original first Wilson bridge

Re: “Dignitaries dedicate new bridge span,” May 15

There were a lot of unhappy people who were trying to cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge during the recent opening ceremony.

Well I can tell you, there were many of us that were very unhappy when the first section of the bridge opened almost 50 years ago.

Many sections of the Beltway were finished, but couldn’t be used until the bridge was opened. The bridge was completed, but was not opened!!!

Hopefully, some of your readers with memories better than mine can supply the exact details.

As I recall they waited to open the bridge for some special occasion. I believe it was Mrs. Woodrow Wilson’s birthday!

Just imagine our state of minds while sitting in horrible traffic jams and seeing that completed bridge closed off.

Wendel Allen

Alexandria