Letters to the Editor

Editor,

I am no authority on the FCNP, I’m merely a reader, but I do know that the reprinting of Helen Thomas’s articles is much appreciated—at least by this reader. She brings a perspective based on historical knowledge of the Executive Branch (she's been there since the early 1960s) that is quite unique. In short, she's seen a variety of Presidents come and go. As a consequence, for the most part, she’s a pretty astute observer of these administrations we vote into office every four years.

Regarding Mr. Johnson's letter last week, turning to his point about the US intervention in Vietnam: I respectfully disagree with his assertion. The Vietnamese had fought for their independence against the Chinese for 1,000 years. They then fought against their French, imperialist masters for another several decades. The Japanese too, tried and failed to conquer Vietnam militarily. The Vietnamese wanted their freedom away from colonial powers. But our nation got involved anyhow, depressingly, however, supporting the wrong guys. And for what? A mythical domino political theory? Or because we wanted our corrupt South Vietnamese puppets to hold onto the power we had bestowed on them?

It was a mindless waste of money, blood, lives, and this nation’s treasure. Thank god it ended. We’ve learned a lesson from it right? Mr. Johnson’s comments would seem to indicate otherwise. He appears to have learned absolutely nothing from that foreign policy blunder. Now, with much cheerleading from another administration promising us “Guns and butter,” we are involved in another quagmire that we should have left well alone. How many lives, how much of our nation's finances, how much attention does this Iraqi adventure deserve before we call it quits? What are we doing there? Promoting Freedom and democracy at gunpoint is a recipe for disaster (just ask the South Vietnamese). Helen Thomas provides the alternative voice of reason that is sorely missed in our current national discourse about this and all so many other pressing issues.

The Cold War is over. The War on terror is not a war---it’s a police action. And, as for the war in Iraq: Well, it’s nothing but a bloody disaster.

A.J. Brown Arlington

Editor,

I must respond to the February 3, 2005 Letter to the Editor written by the Reverend John Yates. This letter exemplifies the insensitivity of some Christians to other religious points of view. One would think a theologically educated individual like Reverend Yates would be more specific when he cites the “Bible” as the source of his quotes.

The correct answer to the provenance of these quotes is the “Christian Bible” or the New Testament. The Hebrew Bible or Torah does not call us “aliens and strangers” on earth -- it does not state that this earth is not our home. It does not include the Gospels and it certainly says nothing about human beings holding dual citizenship between this earth and any other existence. The Hebrew Bible exhorts us to “choose life” which stands in stark contrast to apocalyptic Christian theology.

Julie Krachman Falls Church

Editor,

Concerning Richmond and who owns church property: if Congress by majority vote refused to acknowledge their subservience to the Constitutition, then Congress would forfeit my loyalty, service, and taxes.

When Bishops by majority vote (90-64) refused to acknowledge their subservience to the Bible, they forfeited my loyalty, service, and donations - and property paid for and maintained by our donations.

That is simple justice, which should be the goal of law. If the law doesn't do that, change the law.

Ron Parson Falls Church

Editor,

Apropos of a reader’s remarks printed last week that the Germans, Japanese, North Koreans and Viet Cong did not abide by the rules of the Geneva Convention, I would like to ask if these are the armies the U.S. would like to emulate.

Did our parents teach us that if a schoolmate steals, it's alright for us to steal?

Or if the boy down the block bullies the smaller boys, we can go ahead and do likewise?

It is told that a contemporary of Napoleon reminded the General that bayonets were of no use in mining coal. In a similar vein, tanks and bombs are of no use in feeding or educating people. Nor can we spread democracy with war.

Carol LeClair Falls Church

Editor,

I just picked up a copy of the Falls Church News-Press after over a decade of living in McLean. I must tell you that I think it so superior to the free papers we get here that it puts them to shame. The editorials and op-ed pieces are great.

I particularly liked the story about Lou Olam, with whom I shared many years at USIA, although I was always at overseas posts while he was here. Thank you.

Roman Lotsberg McLean