Excellent LTTE in today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette...

[Junkdrawer]

A duty to think


The continuing ability of Republican "talking heads" to hoodwink the American electorate is truly a cause for dismay.

Once again, a "terrorist" event shuts down all debate in our country.

Republicans take the unexamined "high road" of patriotism, while Democrats disappear, afraid of being called "soft" on terror.

As columnist Thomas Friedman, an early supporter of the Iraq adventure, suggested within several weeks of that event, it quickly became apparent that the Iraq "war" was being conducted for domestic political considerations and was being badly done, not only due to military miscalculations -- now so familiar to all -- but because the "terrorism" card played so well in the Rovean playbook. Let us be circumspect ...

Will the American people remember the lies, the distortions, the unconstitutionality, indeed the criminality of the past six years, or will there be a "learning curve" of pausing and thinking?

I am reminded of the "Boy Who Cried Wolf." In short, we have a duty to be cautious regarding the latest "spin," regarding the latest "terror."

I invite my fellow citizens to be Americans. We may eventually be attacked again, but we foiled this attempt. It did not happen, do not lose your perspective. Eschew your fears and remember that a loyal opposition is essential to our governance.


JOHN SLIWA
McCandless

The writer is a member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.


http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06231/714679-110.stm

And, no, that's not me.. ;)

[Olney Blue]

1. Excellent letter!

[globalvillage]

2. I like the one from Ms Sweeney

GOP strong on terror? Not according to 9/11 commission
Much of the news coverage on the front page lately has been of the London terrorist plot that was foiled by British police, as it well should have.
However, missing on in the front page is any coverage of the book by two of the 9/11 commissioners, Tom Kean and Lee Hamilton, and their story of how the Bush administration was not cooperative and was less than straightforward in its answers regarding the administration's actions after that tragic event.
Yet, I see in the polls that many Americans believe that the Bush administration is strong on terror. Why would anyone believe that when the 9/11 commission reviewed the progress of our "war on terror" on the anniversary of its report and assessed how its suggestions had been followed? The 9/11 commission gave the Bush administration grades ranging from C's to D's on how its suggestions had been implemented.
Remember this the next time you are tempted to vote for a Republican who is "strong on terror." Actions (or inactions) speak louder than words.

MARTHA SWEENEY
Upper St. Clair
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06231/714679-110.stm

USC is an upscale and overwhelmingly Republican community. I hope her neighbors are listening.

[POAS]

3. A long time ago

in a country far far away

the concept of "Loyal Opposition" was the standard. One could disagree about methods of governance but never question the loyalty of the opponent.

But that was a long time ago, in a country far far away.

[applegrove]

4. Very true. People stop thinking critically when overinfluenced by the

reptilian part of their brains. As long as fear is played and directed at them..people will respond and move away from compassion. Such folk are known as patsies, pawns or patrons. And they are all put in a position of fear..then promised something "war on terror, death tax revoke, married gays will not join your church" to get back to "normal".

Facts are..everyone was better off before they thought like Lizards. They were doing fine when they became adults and though like adults. With empathy, critical thinking, responsibility and discernment.

[AnnieBW]

5. WOOHOO!!

There's hope for McCandless yet! I'll have to forward the DU luv to my parents to pass along to Mr. Sliwa.

[tabasco]

6. I've read that LTTE's are the most-read part of the paper.

I enjoy reading good ones that are posted here.