The debate about how to proceed in Iraq
The debate about future policy in Iraq should not be over an increase in troop levels. It should be over how best to work with Iraq’s neighbors and our European allies as the country inevitably breaks up into three separate states: a pro-Western Kurdistan in the north, an Iran-dominated Shiite region in the south, and a Sunni region in the center.
When the United States invaded Iraq in March 2003 and removed the Sunni government infrastructure in such a complete way, the pre-existing basis for an Iraqi nation disappeared.
Although the exit from Iraq will not be easy, there is no longer a need to build national institutions – army or otherwise – where no nation presently exists.
Our armed forces are caught in a maelstrom of regional factualism, tribal jealousy, religious hatred and irrational violence.
A recent commentary by New York Times columnist David Brooks urged the same approach – a “soft partition” of Iraq. Peter W. Galbraith’s book, “The End of Iraq,” presently available in libraries and at book stores, argues for a harder partitioning of Iraq.
This is where the true debate on future policy in Iraq needs to be focused.
It is a strategy that I believe will ultimately lead to minimal U.S. troop levels, eliminate casualties, and halt the horrible hemorrhaging of U.S. treasure.
David Quarles, Fort Morgan
Governor’s veto of controversial union bill
Gov. Bill Ritter’s veto of House Bill 1072, which was sponsored by labor and would have made the process of organizing union shops easier, not only was the politically correct thing to do but sent a strong message to a legislature controlled by his own party, that they can’t take this governor for granted and that he is committed to an inclusive process and not a special-interest agenda.
Both sides foolishly threw themselves on the sword for HB 1072, which in reality would affect only a few workers. The governor understood that in order to fulfill the Colorado Promise of bringing adequate and affordable health care to workers, labor and business need to be at the table. His veto of HB 1072 should not be viewed as a victory or defeat for any side but as a message that the governor believes that an inclusive process is the best policy in formulating legislation.
Carmi McLean, Lakewood
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Thank you, Gov. Bill Ritter, for your leadership to take a stand that Colorado will define itself by doing the right thing. Your reason for the veto of House Bill 1072 sets the standard for how we in Colorado are capable of functioning. I have sincere hope that those who govern with you will be able to participate in rigorous, thoughtful dialogue as we tackle the issues that really matter and which make a difference in the daily lives of our citizens utilizing the tools of a good conversation.
J. Olivia Estep, Denver
Seeking competition in television service
Anyone who currently uses Comcast for its TV service has been bombarded by 527-type commercials for days. In them, a city councilman from Aurora and the mayor of Lakewood comment on the fairness of House Bill 1222. They use words like “unfair” and “local control.”
Who is the bill unfair to? Comcast has had a monopoly since the early ’80s, and with all the so- called local control for the benefit of the taxpayer, Comcast has raised its rates many times the rate of inflation.
So I ask these politicians who are trying to keep out competition which would reduce rates, or at least get Comcast to unbundle for program choice, where their loyalty and financial best interest lies. The answer is simple: Just follow the money.
Myron Spanier, Centennial
Mallard Fillmore comic
Kathleen Corbett’s letter attacking Mallard Fillmore (Feb. 9 Open Forum) is yet another example of how liberals hate to see themselves as they really are rather than as they imagine themselves to be. I love Mallard Fillmore. Bruce Tinsley is a clever and perceptive cartoonist, and he has the courage and ability to see through the smoke and portray liberalism and conservatism as they really are.
Please don’t drop Mallard Fillmore. This cartoon strip is an island of truth in an otherwise left- leaning sea of obfuscation.
Darrell Arnold, La Veta
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I stopped reading the Mallard Fillmore cartoon years ago when Bruce Tinsley ran a series ridiculing consumer protection. He was then pitching a completely indefensible industry position that came down to “Our profits will be slightly higher if we make the public pay to clean up our mess,” as if taking dictation from that industry’s PR department.
I had long resented Mr. Tinsley’s tired routine of regurgitating discounted right-wing talking points over and over. That day, I concluded that he has neither wit nor acuity nor integrity to merit attention.
Martin Voelker, Golden
Air Force Academy cadets caught cheating
Re: “19 AFA cadets admit cheating,” Feb. 8 news story.
According to The Post’s article on the current cheating scandal at the Air Force Academy, “Those who admitted to cheating will meet a cadet sanctions recommendation panel. Generally, though each case is handled on an individual basis, those cadets will be placed on six months of honor probation and be forbidden from publicly representing the academy.”
I am a graduate of West Point, and over the last 15 years of living near the Air Force Academy, I have seen so many acts that would have never been tolerated at West Point.
In this case, all students involved would have been expelled. Period. When you have “probation,” the seriousness of this action is not even driven home to the cadets.
Another difference in the academies is that I had two friends caught having consensual sex at West Point. They were both expelled, no questions asked. The AFA has had so many cases of sexual misconduct where the cadets involved were allowed to stay that it is no wonder that the environment led to a series of sexual assaults.
We used to joke that the Air Force Academy was the “civilian party school” of the academy system. This is no longer a joke, and a nation at war cannot afford to have this type of behavior tolerated in our future officer corps.
James Warfield, Denver
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It’s sad, but not too surprising, that so many Air Force cadets have admitted to or are accused of cheating. Such a precedent has been set by lies from our country’s politicians, both Republican and Democratic. Honesty is a rare virtue, and that saddens me.
Debbie Narrod, Denver
Colorado Voices
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