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So long ago, a song asked the question, "When will they ever learn?" I find myself asking that same question as I read how the value of life is measured by money and privilege even as related to healthy food for our children.
When will we ever learn that the value of life must never be measured by money and privilege, but rather by the heart, the soul, the mind of a person and the potential of a child? To offer healthy food to children and then put that healthy food out of the reach of so many children is a critical reflection of social conscience.
Life and equality in public education are rights, not privileges. When will we ever learn?
Re: Give veterans a day that truly benefits them, Nov. 11 Jeff Webb column
Webb made some great points in his article, but I won't hold my breath waiting for vets to be given a "thank you" day off.
Mr. Webb made mention of "chicken hawk politicians" and how they sit on the sidelines while sending the less fortunate to Iraq to catch bullets. Members of Congress and the Bush administration have told us that the war in Iraq is necessary for the protection of democracy in the world.
I wonder how many of those people have found the war important enough to risk members of their own families. I'll wager that if the draft were reinstated and the chicken hawks in Washington found their own families at risk, we would start pulling out of Iraq in no time at all.
My guess is an article about the rich and powerful sending their families to war would be exceedingly short.
Thank you for remembering.
Re: Give veterans a day that truly benefits them, Nov. 11 Jeff Webb column
Interesting thought regarding a Veterans Day for veterans!
Looking at a list of closures on that day, it appears most are government offices with no criteria for being a veteran. It appears the politicians who started the wars throughout our history have really given themselves a holiday. Kind of typical isn't it?
I would like to see more businesses offer substantial discounts on services and goods provided to veterans. An airline could offer half-price fares for a veteran and his or her family for one flight during each year. Hotels could offer half-price rooms for a veteran and family once each year. Car dealers could offer cars to veterans every Veterans Day at true cost.
Politicians could refrain from claiming support for veterans in the media and show true support by properly funding veterans' benefits in Congress.
Anyway, nice article. I salute you this day and every day, as I do all veterans who are still with us and those who gave their all.
Re: Give veterans a day that truly benefits them, Nov. 11 Jeff Webb column
A yellowed clipping of a letter to the New York Times, dated Oct. 21, 1972, reads:
"Another Veterans Day! I would have missed it but my kids have the day off from school while I have to work. Next year . . . all of us veterans should go AWOL on "our" day. Would our employers grant us amnesty? No way. Well, if "Veterans Day" cannot be celebrated by veterans, then let's abolish it. Let the nonveterans join us veterans, both working."
I don't know Donald Windsor, who wrote it, but it's been under the glass of my desk since. When I was still working, we had a saying "Veterans Day means that everybody's off except the veteran."
Webb's admirable suggestion will never be accepted, any more than Windsor's, and the day will continue to feature retailers and self-serving politicians.
Re: Brown-Waite is no friend of military veterans, Nov. 13 letter
I wish to defend U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite. The ugly letter, which criticized her for her support of the war in Iraq, is wrong and shortsighted.
The letter writer and others seem to forget we were attacked by alien forces. Terrorists used illegal, immoral and treacherous means on Sept. 11, 2001.
Our president, with strong bipartisan approval, launched needed military action against terrorists in Afghanistan, then in Iraq. The plan involves not just military action, but rebuilding these countries and the establishment of democracy.
Brown-Waite ought to be saluted, not criticized for supporting the established national program.
Jennifer Porter should spend time in prison. Her parents and judge should answer to God. (How could parents protect their daughter like that?) Do they not have feelings?
I have yet to see this well-protected girl shed a tear or even act remorseful.
Barry Cohen? How can he sit there in front of the cameras and say she didn't have a choice? Of course she did. At first, he said he was against the face that did this. But he had a big change of heart. Why?
They are making this woman a celebrity. I am livid. Don't they know right from wrong?
A benefit for Pasco Sheriff's Deputy Josh Cooley raised approximately $4,500. A Nov. 15 letter to the editor, Family of deputy injured in Iraq expresses thanks, from Cooley's wife, Christina, contained an imprecise amount.