The Real Mistake

Regarding Nibras Kazimi’s defense of President Bush [“My Friend George Bush,” Opinion, January 14, 2005]: There were indeed statements made by the president that have clouded the nature of this conflict, and have adversely affected the prosecution of this war. These misstatements have confused the public and other nations into thinking that America is engaged in criminal prosecutions of lawbreakers, and not a war against an existential enemy.

This is not a “War on Terrorism.” Terrorism is used to instill fear, often through the indiscriminate killing of noncombatants. It is a tactic. Nations don’t declare war on tactics. We’re at war against a radical, militant sect of Islam.

President Bush should never have begun the rhetoric that refers to the capture or killing of individuals engaged in terrorism. We are at war against militant Islamist organizations, not individual perpetrators or potential perpetrators.

Sure, like most Americans, I was inspired when Mr. Bush said, “Whether we bring these people to justice, or justice is brought to them, justice will be done.” It sounded great. But it set the huge machinery of government and public comprehension of this endeavor toward ambiguity.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, imagine President Roosevelt declaring that American forces will track down and prosecute every Japanese pilot that participated in the attack.

The nature and tactics of this new enemy posed novel problems, requiring America to make adjustments from what had been the norm.

GARY KRASNER
Hollis, NY

Lane Kirkland’s Legacy

Lane Kirkland’s devotion to the Solidarity movement in Poland came at a high cost; the AFL-CIO spent more time, energy, and money – its own and from the CIA – in its Cold War international campaigns than in organizing workers, protecting collective bargaining rights, and resisting the dismantling of the post-war “social contract” that empowered and raised the living standards of workers in America and sustained the social programs that protect working families, the aged, and others at risk in our economy [“Lane Kirkland’s Legacy,” Arch Puddington, Opinion, January 14, 2005].

He continued the obsessive anti-communist policies set in place by George Meany and his international arm headed by Jay Lovestone, once a leader of the Communist Party until displaced by the Soviets.

He allied the AFL-CIO with repressive, corrupt, and conservative unions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

His heritage continues to limit labor’s ability to organize and protect the rights and needs of American workers.

SUMNER M. ROSEN
Professor emeritus
Columbia University
Manhattan

Ross Deserves No Favors

I have a personal interest in William F. Buckley Jr.’s “Michael Ross Dead?” [Opinion, January 12, 2005]. Dzung Tu, my freshman roommate at Vassar College, was murdered by Ross. She was his first victim. He raped and strangled her and then threw her body into a gorge. When I heard that Ross was to be executed, I recently contacted my other roommate from freshman year. Though neither of us are fans of the death penalty, in this case we both agree that we’re not going to lose any sleep if Ross is executed.

VICTORIA BALFOUR
Manhattan

Stephanie Blythe Pleases

I was pleased to read Jay Nordlinger’s review of a concert that I had been to the very next day [“Stephanie Blythe & Other Spirits,” Arts & Letters, January 17, 2005]. Not very usual, these days, in other newspapers.

Also, I could share some pleasant moments, learn from Mr. Nordlinger’s observations, and appreciate more of Ms. Blythe’s artistry. I agreed with his observation that Mr. Jones made his mistake not in his piano playing and breadth of knowledge to be able to perform so beautifully from memory, but turning to the audience as a scold was an uncomfortable moment.

I always look forward to the excellent arts coverage in The New York Sun. I wish I could attend more of the concerts that Mr. Nordlinger reviews.

MARCIA KRAMER
Manhattan

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