Please critique my LTTE on Iraq then & now

[NewJeffCT]

Not sure if my last line is good or not - but, want a critique of the whole letter. Thanks!
>>
Before President Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq in early 2003, that group of 20-30% of Americans who were opposed to the invasion were derided by the media, by Republicans and by moderate Democrats as part of a radical anti-war fringe group, or far left loony’s or cheese-eating surrender monkeys. Nearly four years later, the invasion has been a disaster that has stained America’s reputation and strained our treasury, while the pro-war group has dwindled to only 20-30% of Americans. Will we now be hearing the media label the pro-war crowd as a radical fringe element, or a far right freak show, or similar? Knowing who controls the media, I will not hold my breath waiting for this change.

[madinmaryland]

1. Well written, Jeff!

I assume you are sending this to the Hartford Courant. The CT Post (Bridgeport), if I recall, was opposed or at least skeptical of the war from the beginning.

[NewJeffCT]

2. I'm not eligible for the Courant until early February

I just had one published there last Sunday, so I have to wait 60 days for another.

I'm sending it in to a local weekly that has a large "Speak Out" section in it.

[madinmaryland]

3. I lived in the Hartford area in the early to mid 80's.

I don't recall the Courant being that conservative. Did they make a shift in recent years? I was in the Danbury, Watertown, Norwalk, and Bridgeport areas, until three years ago.

I also remember the Waterbury/Repub as being a conservative rag also. Have you thought about sending them that letter?

[NewJeffCT]

4. The Courant editorial board is right of center

But, certainly not far right. Probably more in line with a Chris Shays/Northeastern Republican. They are also famous for always endorsing Republicans for president - it was national news when they endorsed Clinton.

The Manchester Journal Inquirer used to be far right. I stopped getting it for a few years and then picked it up again over the summer and found it became pretty progressive. I've had a few long letters published in there (400-500 words long), including a very strongly worded one that brought up the Bush family Nazi connections and how Republicans were appeasing terrorists and tyrants, just like they have done historically.

I think a lot of the state papers were owned by some big media conglomerate that basically required them to endorse Republicans.

[sutz12]

5. Well written! Good job! nt

[thereismore]

6. it's loonies, not loony's. otherwise great