Response to killing of U.S. soldiers in Iraq
Re: “Soldiers’ bodies found; deaths were ‘barbaric,”‘ June 21 news story.
Why have those who have continually howled at our treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo met the recent kidnapping and sadistic and brutal murders of our two young soldiers with deafening silence? Where is your outrage now? Not only should we behead 100 prisoners in retaliation (complete with Web-posted snuff videos), but also the editors, commentators, college professors and left-wing congressmen who would suddenly break their silence to come out in support of these enemy jihadists. We need to stop listening to these sanctimonious hypocrites who apply the rules of war only to our side. Let us untie the hands of our troops and allow them to fight and win.
Dave Petteys, Littleton
. . .
The recent barbaric murder of two soldiers in Iraq will only strengthen American resolve to win the war against terrorism. These atrocities reveal terrorism in its most diabolical and sinister character. Yet, where is the outrage from the mainstream media and human-rights groups? Liberals continue to promote a cut-and-run strategy while ignoring the flagrant disregard of the enemy for human life. Notwithstanding, our gallant troops will prevail, come wind or weather. The heinous murder of our two soldiers is to be deplored, but our troops will in no way be deterred from their mission. If anything, they will be galvanized in their endeavor to preserve our freedom.
Brian Stuckey, Denver
Panhandling on Denver’s 16th Street Mall
Re: “To give or not to give,” June 13 news story.
With a central location in the heart of downtown Denver, the Rialto Café is directly affected by trends in the downtown community. The Business Improvement District recently launched a campaign to address the panhandling situation throughout downtown Denver. At last, a civic group has had the courage to address what most would like to ignore.
Over the past several years, the number of those asking for a handout has reached an all-time high. An estimated $4.5 million was given to panhandlers in the past year. When you consider what an impact that kind of money could have on organizations providing food, housing and job training, you begin to realize how futile it is to just hand money out to those on the street.
Perhaps even more important is the negative impact to Denver’s economy and local businesses, like ours. Those visiting Denver need an atmosphere that feels safe and inviting. The No. 1 complaint I hear from visitors to our city concerns panhandlers on the 16th Street Mall. I am grateful to the BID for their willingness to truly help those in need. Rialto Café will help in any way we can, by promoting this new message. We ask that other businesses do the same as we work to achieve our common goal: move people off the streets and into programs and housing, improving safety and the image we portray.
Chad Hacker, Director of Marketing, Rialto Cafe, Denver
Mine safety laws
Re: “W. Va. survivor joins Bush for mine-safety ceremony,” June 16 news brief.
How ironic that George W. Bush would attempt to make political hay from the recent passage of new mine-safety legislation. Over the past five years, President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress have systematically undermined mine safety with cutbacks and lack of enforcement of existing mine-safety legislation. The Bush administration has cooperated with the mining industry to maximize company profits at the expense of miners’ safety, while failing to properly inspect mining companies’ compliance with existing rules.
The current legislation, while needed, is a knee-jerk reaction designed to cover up past failures and policy, and make the pretense that the administration and Congress are concerned.
The article, while voicing the concern of one widow’s objection to another pro-industry appointee by Bush, fails to document the gross negligence the president and this Congress have engaged in over the past several years and place the blame where it belongs.
Mark Benner, Anton
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