Letters
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It is often said that many died in wars to defend American freedom and democracy.
Martin Luther King was not a soldier, but he died while fighting to implement actual freedom in a nation that was at least in part opposed to it, not defending a status quo that was anything but freedom.
Not so long ago, African Americans were segregated, lynched, mutilated in the South. Native Americans were not granted citizenship, while given the "right" to enlist and die in disproportionate numbers in wars waged by this nation. Their religions were suppressed, made illegal.
Native American children were kidnapped by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be sent to far away boarding schools, not to see their parents and families again for as much as a decade, and parents who resisted were sent to Alcatraz and other prisons. I doubt any of these people felt free.
If the original foundation of this nation is freedom, why did the FBI monitor and attempt to crush the civil rights movement, which was nonviolent, and led by a Christian reverend? If the Pope himself had insisted on a need for peace, equality and justice, would he have become an "enemy" of America, targeted for surveillance and censorship, as were some progressive priests and nuns in Central America, who took a stand for the oppressed and against dictators according to their own conscience, and were subsequently chastised by the Pope for having a conscience?
Why have grass root humanitarian movements meant to improve social conditions, expend freedoms and raise moral standards been mostly brutally opposed by the elite and by government (child labor, women's right to vote, unions, labor laws, etc.)? Could it be that freedom and morality are the ideals of ordinary Americans and of people all over the world, but not the desires of a mostly unethical elite that would rather have power and control, including the control of information?
Could it be that the "communist threat" that was used by government to keep everyone – including, absurdly, Native American activists – in check for decades has been replaced by an equally paralyzing and convenient "terrorist threat," that landed on the lap of the neo-cons at a very auspicious time to
begin implementing the foundation of their neo-imperialist "Project for a New American Century"?
Could it be, speaking of the neo-cons, that the extremely lame campaigns by Gore and Kerry against Bush were nothing but charades and meant to fail, because the agenda of global US domination mostly transcends Democrat and Republican ideologies? Are not these ideologies used, in a "good cop-bad cop" manner, to merely give the people the illusion that they are free, have choice, and are represented, which would explain why both parties are equally fiercely opposed to the formation of a viable, independent, grass roots, as-yet uncorrupted third party?
Can it be that government will always find, manufacture, manipulate or support the creation of vast and all encompassing threats to justify curtailing or suppressing freedoms and expend its bureaucracy, so that the oligarchy (international banks, corporations, monopolies), that essentially owns government, retains and expends its control, the multitudes, especially the poor and minorities who are viewed as threats, remain mostly powerless, and domestic and third-world resources continue to be exploitable at very little financial cost and ever greater profits?
Raphael Montoliu
Lakeport
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- Written by: Hal Bennett
I was shocked to read an article recently concerning Marta Williams' charges against the board of directors of Clear Lake Animal Welfare Society (CLAWS), including her initiation of the petition to remove board members Laurelee Roark and others named in [the Clear Lake Observer American 05/16/07] article.
I have known Laurelee Roark professionally for over 15 years and rarely have met anyone more civic-minded, selfless, professional and compassionate in her work with other people. The charges being brought by Ms. Williams are highly uncharacteristic of Ms. Roark. I have seen Roark handle extremely difficult conflicts with impeccable skill, maintaining the highest purposes and goals of the organization or cause she served. Roark is an extraordinary woman who has contributed much to help improve our community.
Before we all go off half-cocked, Marta Williams' charges against the CLAWS board need to be carefully examined. Ms. Williams is a relative newcomer to Lake County, who has been involved with CLAWS for only a short period of time. I suggest that she, as well as any community member concerned about this issue, carefully examine why she has taken the action she has. Too often, in matters like this, the person with the most shrill and aggressive voice gets the most attention, regardless of the facts. The results can be both destructive and heartbreakingly unjust.
As for the petition Williams has circulated, I ask that this document be published and the signatures be verified, both for county of residence and for knowledge of CLAWS beyond hearsay of the petitioner. Readers should know that there are online services available for anyone wanting to circulate a petition. Petitions circulated in this way can be signed by anyone from any area of the United States, and anyone can collect signatures for virtually anything they wish.
As a resident of Lake County and supporter of CLAWS, I respectfully request that the reporter who originally broke this story investigate how Ms. Williams' petition was generated and whether or not the signatures represent people familiar with our community. While the petition may be legitimate, we should not take it seriously until we are able to examine the facts for ourselves.
Until we get the whole story here, I urge that we all keep cool heads. We owe this much to Laurelee Roark, a citizen who has contributed so selflessly and so much to making our community a better place to live. While I do not know the other CLAWS board members who have been charged, I extend my support to them in the same way.
Perhaps Ms. Williams has a legitimate cause but until we know more we should all reserve judgment.
Hal Zina Bennett
Upper Lake, California
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- Written by: Maria L. Weiss
His bones are not in a box.
Jesus rose from the dead.
He died on the cross and anyone who believes in him shall have eternal life.
Jesus did not have romantic relations with Mary Magdalene or anyone else. He is The Son Of God.
The truth about Jesus and his life on Earth is found in the bible not in a faux documentary on TV.
Maria L Weiss
Somerset, Mass.
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- Written by: David Walters
I want to share some thoughts with you and hopefully you can get them to all our friends up there. Michael and in fact our entire family has looked at the Web site. I must say some of it is hard to read.
Our time we spent with you in Lake County was fantastic. But I want to clear up some misconceptions that I read in the feedback section of the Web site. I know this won't be news to you but I have to say it.
Most people were not there when Michael visited the school. But some people have lots of comments on something they did not witness. So I hope I can clear it up for them.
What happened was a fine young American, who has to be away from his family for 450 days, had 15 days of R&R. He chose to spend two of those precious days with you in Lake County. What he did was come and visit with a class of third grade students to thank them for their cards, letters, packages and prayers of support. He wanted to tell them about staying in school and how much all people overseas appreciate the love and support they feel though the letters, etc. they receive.
That's all. Simple, huh?
Some people must learn to separate the war from the fine young Americans who answer the call to duty. We all have opinions on the war, the right place to express your opinions is the voting box, with your Congressmen, Congresswomen, your Senators, etc. Whatever your beliefs, we should support our men and women in uniform. They deserve that, don't they?
Michael looks back fondly about the time there, and the children. He loved it. And we remember your love and support and to this day it still brings tears to my eyes when I think about how you treated my son. You made me feel very proud.
I hope to get back to your town soon and I will keep you up to date on Michael.
Today is a hard day for me; it's my birthday, and also the last day my son will be with us for nine months. The last day I can put my arm around him and hug him for at least nine months. Tomorrow at 6 a.m. he leaves for Iraq again. This time is harder then the last time. But he goes to defend freedom and to insure we have the right to send our thoughts to forums and express our views. I hope no one forgets about that.
Again, thank everyone. I will let you send this to whomever you want. Thank the kids again, Michael talks about them everyday. He feels their love and support and truly appreciates it.
David Walters
Proud father of a United States Soldier
David Walters is the father of Sgt. Michael Walters, who recently visited local schoolchildren who have written him during his service in Iraq. This letter was written April 28. Michael Walters returned to Iraq on April 29.
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