Letters to the Editor

Editor,

People generally agree that the election in Iraq was cause for renewed hope that something good can come of the Bush administration’s high-stakes foreign policy. The situation in Iraq is, of course, still fragile and beyond our control. But if planting democracy in Iraq is ultimately about making us safer from terrorism, why won’t our president take the next step and lead us to conserve oil?

The more we burn, the more money we put in the hands of corrupt, oil-producing regimes that breed and finance terrorism. Imagine if Bush had taken the American people up on their desire to help after September 11.

What if instead of giving us a tax cut he had asked us to give up one day a week of driving and to set our thermostats two degrees lower in winter?

What if he had asked auto makers to get serious about alternative fuel vehicles? Instead of requesting any sacrifice on the home front, our president told us to go on shopping. It’s not too late. The situation on the ground in Iraq may be beyond our control, but oil conservation is something we can all do to help win the larger war on terrorism.

And if Bush won’t lead, maybe Falls Church will. For starters, why not borrow Thomas L. Friedman's idea and declare our city a “Hummer-free zone?”

Charles L. Anderson Falls Church

Editor,

Last week, while visiting grandchildren I fell victim to a scam being run in your town’s business district. I must assume it’s hurting your readers and advertisers.

I went to Brown’s Hardware store, parked in the area beyond the store and when I came out, my car was “stolen.” It really wasn't stolen, but Pete’s Towing had taken it and it subsequently cost me $85 in “ransom.”

A policeman was called and he explained that I had parked on private property, there was a sign warning about being towed, and that “there was nothing we could do about it.” The “sign” was on the left side of the driveway, next to a loading area with stanchions, but the parking area was on the right side of the driveway and there was no other indication there about private parking.

Mr. Brown and the police (I did file a complaint) wring their hands and claim “we can't do anything about it,” and Pete’s lays in wait for someone to park so they can be towed away. Is this the kind of public image your city wants to give to visitors, or you as its “voice” wish to see continued?

The town management and elected officials should be encouraged, pushed or upset enough to correct a situation which is driving customers to other areas.

Joel Hemmendinger Monroe Township, NJ

Editor,

I just want to say thanks and congratulations to the George Mason High School girl’s basketball team, and send my regrets to anyone in this community who missed last Thursday night's game.

It was the most exciting game I’ve seen in years. I got to the game a little late and Clarke County was up 13-0. The Mason girls were down by 20 at half. But the second half, man, oh man. I'm talking about suffocating traps, flying bodies in the lane, and clutch three-point shots until the final buzzer. Alas, Maggie O’Toole and the girls fell by three points, but after being down so far at the half, it was just an incredible come back.

I for one am really proud of all the girls on that team. I know that Maggie, Julie Dorsey and Alex Pender all must have had trouble moving the next day, the way they were flying around against the tough and aggressive Clarke team.

Despite prior “issues” with Clarke County, I still saw one of our players help a Clarke player up after one of many collisions. So, some missed an unbelievable come back, with clutch shots all the way, and good sportsmanship too, but I didn't, and I won't soon forget it.

Nice job girls.

Phil Acosta Falls Church