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Letters to the Editor-4
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Where is the sorrow?
Regarding the bombing and sanctions on Iraq, what has been most glaringly missing on the part of politicians and media is any sense of grief, sorrow or, simply, concern about the citizens of Iraq.
Along with so many other voices, I stand by and pray for the safety of our men and women under arms.
At the same time, it is disconcerting to see that very few people care about the pain and suffering of the innocent citizens of Iraq.
However, sanctions have accomplished to impose great suffering and death on the citizens. Conservatively, it is estimated that between 4,500 and 6,000 people have died monthly due to the sanctions ... mostly children and elderly ... about one-half million innocent civilians have been killed by the sanctions.
The ``oil for food /medicine" plan has been an abysmal failure. Yes, this is the fault of Saddam Hussein. However, when we civilized Westerners imposed the sanctions, we knew that Saddam was a ruthless person who cared nothing of his citizens. We also knew this when we had been supporting him in the 1980s. Yet we imposed useless sanctions.
Will we impose sanctions until Saddam gives in? He won't give in.
Until he is overthrown? This is unlikely.
Until he dies? How old is Fidel Castro?
Let's look for another solution, other than the present punitive one; let's at least pray for and be verbally concerned about those who are suffering.
Rev. Yeprem Kelegian
2900 N. Main St.
Separate rules for the mighty?
I've been following with interest the many letters regarding Clinton's predicament. I don't understand how anyone can condone lying under oath regardless of who they are.
Are there separate rules for the mighty than for the lesser.
I thought the rules were the same regardless of your station in life. Shouldn't the higher your position place more of a burden on you to set a good example for those you lead.
Everyone should be responsible for their actions, good or bad. A lot of the letters think sex is the main item under consideration it is not. Lying under oath is at the root of the problem.
Mrs. Ann Krewal
Racine
Commentary was deceptive
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive.
Yes, Mayor Jim Smith, there is truth in these words. Write them down, study them, remember them, and try to live by them.
In your recent commentary to The Journal Times and Racine Labor paper you wrote, ``Yet, Eickhorst voted no, stating `I don't care what we pay, I want it to stay the same,"' in reference to the Racine Fire Department reorganization that, at the time, would have resulted i savings of over $700,000 to our taxpayers.
What I really said at the Aug. 3 City Council meeting was, ``I'm going to tell you ^Mayor and City Council and the residents of the 7th District, I have had eight calls, and eight calls have said to me, `I don't care what we pay for our fire department, I am happy with the way it is, and I want it to stay the way it is.' And that's why I recommend that it go back to committee tonight."
Prior to that I said I had the utmost respect for Interim Chief (John) Hilmer and our fire department union, both being aware I had spent numerous hours talking to them the week prior. Knowing we had a difficult decision to make, I questioned whether we would be making these cuts if, God forbid, we had lost a firefighter and three residents in a fire three months ago. I wasn't sure and didn't think we needed to make a decision that night and asked it go back to committee for further discussion.
I was trying to represent the citizens of my district and the city the best way I know possible. Sometimes you have to be more concerned about saving lives than saving money.
This isn't a case of who do you believe: Mayor Smith or me. The minutes of the Aug. 3 meeting are public record and available to anyone who asks.
I also suggest that misrepresentation of the truth like this is the reason so many of our residents have trouble believing the mayor on any issue and the reason this city needs a change in leadership.
In cases like this, it is not my words that discredit the mayor, it is his own. You perceived yourself as a lighthouse in your commentary. Try shedding some light on the truth next time.
Mark `Ike' Eickhorst
7th District Alderman
Mayoral candidate
Gateway display was unlawful
I am writing in response to Wednesday's letter by Marlene Gehrke concerning the nativity scene at Gateway Technical College in Racine.
Our country established by law the principle of separation of church and state, realizing that we are a nation of many different religions. Every religious group is free to practice its particular faith in its place of worship (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.), or in private homes. It is, however, unlawful to do so on public ground.
This was the case that Ms. Gehrke referred to. To the best of my knowledge, the nativity scene is a strictly religious symbol of Christianity (unlike the Christmas tree, which is not religious). Placing the nativity scene on the grounds of Gateway College, which is a public educational institution that is, supported by taxpayer dollars was indeed a violation of the separation of church and state. Therefore, I requested its removal from there. I would never object to its display on a church property or on the front lawn of a home. On the other hand, I would have also asked to remove a Jewish Menorah, were it displayed on public property, for the same reason.
Since coming to Racine, I have been quite active in promoting good relationships and the deepening of understanding between different faiths, all of which I highly respect. I will continue to respect all faiths, while maintaining the separation between church and state.
Rabbi Ze'ev Harari
Beth Israel Congregation
944 Main St
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