Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘Who’s Afraid of Christian Right?’
Bravo to David Twersky’s exceptional piece on the encroachment of the Christian right on our religious liberties [“Who’s Afraid of Christian Right?” Opinion, October 22, 2004].
But since the election is coming up and I want President Bush to win, I’ll reserve what I have to say on this issue for after November 2.
Unlike the left, the Republicans are a “big tent” party embracing disparate views and often welcoming logical arguments into their mainstream agenda, while the exclusive Democratic establishment clutches its narrowing agenda until it chokes those aboard.
PHIL ORENSTEIN
Queens
‘What I’d Really Like to Hear’
Mr. X says it like it is [“What I’d Really Like to Hear,” Opinion, October 22, 2004]. It is too bad that politicians have to walk such a fine line out of fear of saying what needs to be said.
Mr. X offers some excellent ideas as well as humorous thoughts on George Soros. Change never sits well with people. But President Bush is trying to help America and the free world.
Many in our society don’t get it. They do not comprehend the dangers posed by Islamic fundamentalism. These same people want to return to the days when Americans were more concerned with who was the last contestant on the “Survivor” miniseries.
We all want to return to these days, but we must first confront the enemies who wish to destroy our way of life.
EYTAN COLL
Manhattan
Mr. X’s Anonymity
For some reason unbeknownst to me – it is never appropriate to psychoanalyze one’s self – I find the anonymity of Mr. X pusillanimous and abhorrent [“What I’d Really Like to Hear,” Opinion, October 22, 2004].
However, there is one suggestion made under this ludicrous camouflage, upon which I should like to comment: compulsory service for 18-year-olds for two years.
Our current youth, generally, graduate high school unequipped to proceed with adult life – and I shall opine here – that too many never do, although they are intellectually capable.
Without enumerating my own interpretation of the reasons for same, it would serve America as well as the young adults involved to serve their country for a year or two. Most recognized handicapped young people, also, are capable of helping the community, perhaps in the realm of their own disability.
I would not consider such exercise a “draft” for military purposes, although those who choose to serve thusly should be exempt from any other mandated service. Moreover, it affords an opportunity for young people to form a more educated decision as to their ultimate career choice – with a short breathing gap from high school to higher education and/or immediate professional endeavor.
In short, such opportunity offers an educational imperative from which our children will benefit enormously, as should the community at large.
NANCY JOYCE JANCOURTZ
Brooklyn
Election Spoiler
In response to The New York Sun article on “election spoilers,” you left out another spoiler. The media [“Election Spoiler May Turn Out To Be a Libertarian,” Josh Gerstein, Page 1, October 5, 2004].
Now, while you are rolling your eyes, I’ll address the guy reading over your shoulder. I know you hear it often, the blame game. The people are to blame, society, the press, the govt. etc.
But the major source for information these days is the media. Whether that is “The Daily Show,” Howard Stern, Google.com, or USA Today, it does not matter. But for you to label presidential candidate Michael Badnarik “spoiler” is a version of the blame game.
I believe that most Americans agree with the Libertarians on many issues. Libertarians want to eliminate the welfare state, but they rail harder against the big corporate welfare state than anyone else. In a Libertarian economy there would be more prosperity and, therefore, less need for the welfare state.
At the very least, this election will raise the Libertarians out of the “get no respect” zone and into the ‘force to be reckoned with’ area.
Spoiler, underdog, or just plain hard-working candidate, Mr. Badnarik deserves a second look and a spot in the debates.
SCOTT LINDSLEY
Seattle, Wash.
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