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.
‘In Iraq War Debate, Lawmakers Cite Words of History’s Heroes’
Regarding the article “In Iraq War Debate, Lawmakers Cite Words Of History’s Heroes” [National, February 15, 2007] it’s a shame that no one involved in the debate seems informed enough to quote Ulysses S. Grant.
In his book, “Personal Memoirs,” he says, “Experience proves that the man who obstructs a war in which his nation is engaged, no matter whether right or wrong occupies no enviable place in life or history. Better for him, individually, to advocate ‘war, pestilence, and famine,’ than to act as obstructionist to a war already begun. The history of the defeated rebel will be honorable hereafter, compared with that of the Northern man who aided him by conspiring against his government while protected by it. The most favorable posthumous history the stay-at-home traitor can hope for is oblivion.” This is found on page 30 in my copy of the book.
Also: So Jesse Shapiro and Matthew Gentzkow have announced that the press makes more money by catering to its perceived market prejudices. Yet the press creates these prejudices.
Informing away prejudice has to make money too. It simply requires honesty and more work. The pair are apologist con-men and have an extremely bright future in academia.
ALEXANDER DALE
New York, N.Y.
