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Letters: August 15, 2008
WASHINGTON -
Story on Iraq contractors was biased Re: “Iraq contracts have cost at least $85 billion,” Aug. 13 I take great umbrage to Kimberly Hefling’s story about contractors in Iraq. While the numbers she states ($85B) of taxpayer dollars might be true, the story does not provide to the reading public any credibility as to what those dollars have bought; the sacrifices made by many contractor personnel in trying to do their job (beheadings and killings); existing in conditions that no American would consider normal; and doing things to promote democracy and peace, only to have them destroyed by those who want strict theocracy and war. … Contractors are normal people in this country. They work for a firm on existing jobs; they struggle with the everyday challenges of living; they have loved ones supporting our military overseas; and -oh yes, they vote. See you in November. What is McCain’s economic plan? We will have a general election in less than 100 days. Yet, the voters do not know what is Sen. John McCain’s economic plan if he were to be elected president. The economy is volatile and will eventually be in a recession if Sen. McCain does not have a plan and a vision to take us out of the recession. However, Sen. McCain does have a proposal to put us in a recession. He plans to build 45 nuclear reactors in order to implement his energy plan. It is estimated that a single reactor cost up to $12 billion, therefore 45 reactors will cost $540 billion. Where will Sen. McCain get the money to fund his energy plan?... Will our children and grandchildren ever know how much money it will cost them to fund Sen. McCain’s energy plan and the Iraqi war without getting broke? Cargill Kelly CASA should reject Chavez grant CASA of Maryland recently accepted a $1.5 million contribution from the Venezuelan-owned oil giant Citgo. Here is a Third World dictator, Hugo Chavez, funneling funds to an organization that supports illegal immigration and illegal immigrants in Maryland. This is really a disgrace for CASA of Maryland to accept these funds. All this amounts to now is that a Third World dictator is trying to embarrass the United States in sending a message that the United States is not taking care of its poor people. CASA of Maryland was wrong in accepting this donation. All this will do is increase and widen the problem of illegal immigrants and illegal immigration in the state of Maryland. Wheaton Where there’s smoke … It is a pity and tragic that the U.S. Congress and the national media have been duped into endorsing bogus legislation that purports to give the Food and Drug Administration control over the tobacco industry. This legislation contains so many loopholes that it actually gives the tobacco industry control over the FDA on tobacco issues. Supporters contend that “Big Tobacco” is opposed to this legislation yet it was negotiated with and is strongly supported by Philip Morris, the biggest Big in “Big Tobacco.” Supporters tout proposed advertising restrictions that have already been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court yet the media blithely ignores this fact. The legislation limits many additives yet permits the use of menthol, a currently used additive that helps hook untold thousands of our youth, and whose marketing is aimed primarily at African Americans. This legislation offers the image of public health protection while assuring continuing high levels of cigarette sales. It will not reduce teen smoking or save lives. President, Maryland Group Against Smokers’ Pollution |
