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GOP talking points pale in comparison to Iraqi's views

Re: GOP looks for a unified voice of optimism on Iraq, and Baghdad woman decries "state of terror," March 15.

If only these articles could have been printed beside each other! The former only showed a couple of prompts for beleaguered Republicans to counter the growing disenchantment of U.S. citizenry with Iraq, but it was enough to show anyone ever involved with psy-war operations how much it looked like a propaganda leaflet. I wonder how much of the Homeland Security budget it took.

Then its substance is so effectively dissected by the well-articulated experience of an educated Iraqi, who walks us vicariously through her experience and, most likely, that of thousands if not millions of residents of Baghdad.

Even among the numerous examples of the futility of this war, she manages to show compassion and appreciation for the efforts of the U.S. military. "We know the U.S. soldiers wanted to bring democracy, but they have unintentionally brought misery." Sounds fair and balanced to me, Fox News.

Her comments about the Sunni-Shiite rivalry may have generated some skepticism, but stop to think about it: Whether a U.S. pullout causes such a conflict or proves her conclusion that the violence is in protest of our occupation, we still look bad.

Maybe the next time a Republican contingent goes to Baghdad for a dog and pony show, they can pass out their talking points to the beleaguered Iraqis.

Iraqi woman offers silly propaganda

The Iraqi, Entisar Mohammad Ariabi, is quoted in your March 15 story, in part, as saying:

"The American notion that that there will be a Sunni-Shiite civil war here if the (American) soldiers leave is misguided. The bombings and violence are to protest the occupation, not because Sunni and Shiites hate each other."

Perhaps the author of this article, Meg Laughlin, can explain why the peaceful Sunni and Shiite groups, both Muslim, are killing each other in such large numbers. I have never read such silly propaganda masquerading as truth.

Blaming Israel again

Re: Israel forces raid jail, sparking violence, March 15.

The pattern of distortion at the St. Petersburg Times in regard to the Israel-Palestinian conflict has become evident again with its choice of this headline. With many other possible choices available, including "Imminent release of murderer, forces Israeli action" or "Monitors pull out, Israel moves in," the Times decides to blame Israel in the headline, finally beginning to explain only in the sixth paragraph the reason for the action.

Your staff's choice of words and placement of information "compiled from Times wires," in this case, intentionally serves distortion, not objective fact. It is not worthy of a newspaper of your stature.

Support for straight spouses

Re: Couples who see themselves in "Brokeback Mountain," March 14.

Thanks for reprinting the article about A.J. Remmele and her Brokeback Mountain experience and, most important, helping get the word out about the Str8 Spouse Network.

The Straight Spouse Network (SSN) is an international organization that provides personal, confidential support and information to heterosexual spouses/partners, current or former, of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender mates and mixed-orientation couples for constructively resolving coming-out problems.

Florida Str8s have hosted eight consecutive Gatherings of Str8 Spouses. For the past five years, this annual October event on Treasure Island has become the world's largest.

If you're married to or partnered with someone you think may be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender or you already know for sure; help is available by contacting the Str8 Spouse Network on line at http://www.ssnetwk.org or by calling the El Cerrito, Calif., office at 510 525-0200.

Questionable care at VA hospitals

I want to congratulate reporter Paul De La Garza for his hard hitting investigations of the Bay Pines and James A. Haley Veterans Hospitals. As a disabled Vietnam veteran, I have long known that going to the VA hospital is a dangerous mission. It is really the medical care of last resort for those without other resources.

Even those of us who can use the VA medical system without payment shy away from what really are charity hospitals and training facilities for young doctors. I think all the big wigs in Congress should have to have all their medical care at Bay Pines or James A. Haley just like the rest of the veterans with no special favors. After a few congressmen die from poor care let's see if those running the VA don't get religion.

Endangered death benefit

With all the news regarding the Dubai concern, and the Iraq war (both very important to the American people), it seems this White House and Congress never do address domestic issues which, in my opinion, are equally important.

In the March 2006 AARP Bulletin, on Page 38, there was a small article titled "A Dying Benefit?" I am copying it verbatim:

"Buried in President Bush's budget proposals is a plan to scrap Social Security's lump-sum death benefit, which dates to 1939. The $255 benefit, which hasn't been increased since 1954, is intended to help families with funeral expenses. The administration says the benefit consumes "significant administrative resources,' but Congress isn't likely to go along with the proposal."

I believe that the plan to "scrap" this small token of monies to a spouse upon the death of a partner should be made public. I wonder why there has been no discussion of this in the media. I do believe this will not be voted upon in this election year, but the mere fact that it is being considered while huge tax cuts for the very wealthy may be made permanent does not guarantee that it will not be presented following the 2006 election if the Republicans remain in the majority.

Go after the real criminals

Re: Her 8 Cents, March 16.

It is truly amazing, how efficiently and expediently the State Attorney's Office was in responding to the crime of "gambling" by a group of senior citizens looking for some camaraderie and fun.

Reading the article, I had visions of the FBI's Eliot Ness crashing through the door and making multiple arrests. I hope there was not too much resistance.

Yes, I agree it is on the books as an illegal operation, but so is street walking, and crack houses, and pornography, etc. Let's spend our time and resources going after the true offenders and leave the old folks to their "vices."

[Last modified March 20, 2006, 00:36:17]