Letters to the Editor, June 9, 2005

An American Style Democracy in Iraq?

I have recently finished reading a book called 'An American Style Democracy in Iraq?'.[treeside press, ebookad.com] It is the best, most informative book, including a concise history of the region and people, that I have ever read. Iraqis have a sixty percent literacy rate and most only have access to the Koran, and so you can see why the desecration of the Qur'an at Guantanamo is a big deal. If we are to befriend these people after the war, we must try to understand them and turn our fear into love.

We must read about the differences between us and them for there will always be a 'them' and in case we forget, we NEED them and their oil.

Richard Polley, USA

Florida Professor Stands Trial on Terrorism Charges

Dear Editor,

This morning, you sighted Steve Emerson as the independent reporter who broke and has continued to pursue the story of Sami Al Arian's alleged ties with Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian resistance groups.

However, a closer look at Steve Emerson would reveal that he is anything but independent, and that he is well-known for his open hostility toward Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians.

In addition, he has widespread support of Pro-Israel groups (many of which have also financed political campaigns of U.S congressmen and Senators) who, have a strong base of support here in south Florida.

In the current climate of hatred and fear toward Peoples of the Middle East (with the exception of Israelis) and Islam in general, and the fact that demonization of Palestinians has become so deeply ingrained in American media and culture that, even supporters of Palestinian causes are provided the same odious news coverage as suicide bombers, I would argue that it is impossible for Dr. Al-Arian or any Muslim to have a fair trial in the U.S.

In the American court of opinion, Dr. Al-Arian has already been convicted and this trial is nothing more than yet another facade to disguise the fact that this country is not a democracy, but another member in history's long list of authoritarian regimes ruled by fear and ignorance!

Timothy Stinson, Miami, Florida

Florida Professor Stands Trial on Terrorism Charges

The trial of former University of South Florida professor Sami Al-Arian begins Monday on charges he provided support to terrorists. The government, which has spent two decades building its case, says it has linked al-Arian with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which the United States has designated a terrorist group. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4681929

Allegiance to the US or to Israel?

Tom DeLay exemplifies the main reason America finds itself in a quagmire in the Middle East. A growing number of us feel it is time to demand he step down from office for his continued presence does the world a great disservice!

Karen Gross-Foster

Congressman DeLay lights a candle at the National Civic Commemoration of the Holocaust

Tom DeLay, center, shares a laugh with Israeli Speaker of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Reuven Rivlin, far right, and US congressman Ander Crenshaw, second right, a Florida Republican, after Delay spoke to Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem Wednesday July 30, 2003. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

Tom DeLay, right, shakes hands with Israeli Speaker of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Reuven Rivlin after Delay spoke to Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem Wednesday July 30, 2003 in the Chagall State Hall at the Knesset. Painting in background is by Marc Chagall. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

Tom DeLay, on a tour of the Middle East, repeated calls for Palestinians to disarm militant groups as required by US-backed 'road map' plan for Middle East peace.