The wrong choice
Sen. McCain is out of touch with the realities of our occupying Iraq. We are in the middle of a civil war between Sunni and Shiite, and Iran is fueling the division by supporting the radical cleric Al-Sadr.
Candidate McCain has no plan for an exit to this conflict, and would stay in country indefinitely. His facts in questioning Gen. David Petraeus show a lack of understanding as to the political dynamics in that region.
Sen. McCain can not identify what is success in Iraq, and will continue to waste billions of dollars and American lives trying to correct an Iraqi problem.
This country cannot afford a continuation of the misguided Bush/Cheney mishandling of the Iraqi civil war.
The Army vice chief of staff testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee stated, "Our readiness is being consumed as fast as we build it."
Candidate McCain is a wrong choice for America.
Rosalie Pelch
Beulah
Failed attempt at humor
The "Swift Kids for Truth" ads are offensive. These clips exploit children as young as 5 years of age to attack Democratic political candidates, purportedly in the name of "satire."
Funny? No. Not amusing in the least. How sad when adults use their kids to put out tasteless messages about candidates on either side.
These ads are terrible and abusive in the use of children who have no understanding of what they are saying or the impact they are having.
These children are being used and manipulated. Putting these words into the mouths of children is psychological child abuse.
There is absolutely nothing funny or clever about these ads and it is truly sad that this organization has stooped so low as to infuse gender-confusion and racial hate into the minds of 5-year-olds.
This organization has exploited these children in the worst possible way. If this was an attempt at humor, it has failed miserably. I am truly outraged. Is nothing sacred anymore?
Karla Smith
Cadillac
Red Cross, well done
Hats off to the Red Cross and its staff.
It was a very sad day when we heard the news that staff was being cut. Joyce Wittbrodt, executive director, and Jay Morse, emergency service director, would no longer be there.
They were so pleasant to work for. They tried hard to keep the office running smoothly, and did their jobs very well. They will be missed by the remaining staff and the many volunteers.
Also, the board members did their best to resolve this.
Jean Cairnduff
Traverse City
The author is a Red Cross volunteer.
WWII vet reunion
Recently there was an article in the Record-Eagle and a news brief on Channel 7 & 4 about Del Comer, a man who is trying to raise enough money to give the men and women veterans of World War II one last tribute. This is an All-State Michigan World War II Reunion that will be held May 31 through June 1, 2008, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City.
He would like to have all expenses covered so that no vet must refrain from attending because of lack of funds. The goal is to raise $250,000. Many contributors can make this happen. If you can find it in your heart to help, please do so soon. Time is short and they are far from their goal.
Please mail contributions to: N.MI. WWII Veterans, c/o Traverse City State Bank, 310 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686.
Time is short for the veterans too, as each day we see the news that more have passed away. Won't you help give one last tribute to the men and women of The Greatest Generation?
Rebecca (Bredehoeft) Stanchfield
Lake Leelanau
Mentor and role model
I read with surprise the letter to the editor written by the Winklers on April 17 regarding Mike Stein.
As a former director of a human service agency that works closely with the 13th Circuit Court, I do not have these same positive memories about Mr. Stein.
I saw him as one who was not a collaborator, was not a team player, and one who was not interested in an agenda other than his own.
On the other hand, I saw Judge David Stowe as a man who has done much for this community. His willingness to put together teams of people to develop a drug court for youth and for families was heroic. His interest in fostering a proactive and effective adoption program leads the state. He has been a mentor and a role model for many of us.
I will openly stand by this judge and hope that you will, too.
Mary L. Marois
Traverse City
The writer recently retired as director of the Grand Traverse/Leelanau Department of Human Services.
Life imitating fiction?
During spring break vacation, I read a book by John Grisham, "The Appeal."
It was about the efforts of a large corporation to influence a state Supreme Court election in order to get a lawsuit reversed on appeal.
You can imagine my surprise when I returned and read that Meijer was working to remove our Grand Traverse County prosecutor from pursuing possible campaign finance violations.
While Judge Rodgers ultimately ruled to place this issue with the secretary of state, it was clear he was not happy with his own ruling.
Now this issue rests with the secretary of state, Terri Lynn Land, who comes from Kent County, home of Meijer.
I can only hope that the prosecutor, Mr. Schneider, continues his efforts on our behalf to hold Meijer accountable for their actions here in Acme Township.
Additionally, I trust that our elected local state officials, Sen. Allen and Rep. Walker, will not sit idly by on this issue, but will use the full power of their offices to ensure Ms. Land aggressively pursues the charges against Meijer.
Chuck Steinmetz
Williamsburg
Print this story
E-mail this story
