Oil, Porn, Death And Dignity: Your Letters

March 24, 2005

Here are readers' comments on opinion pieces we've published lately. Got a comment on our work? Send a letter to editor@tompaine.com .

Pondering Porn

Re: The Forked Tongue Awards by Melanie Sloan

I am no friend of any of the politicians mentioned in the forked tongue article.  I believe that Tom Delay would do anything to be elected and to gain power once elected—including speaking out of both sides of his mouth.  But I was struck by the fact that this article studiously avoided mentioning the names of any of the 'porn peddlers who contributed to any of the politicians.  There must have been a reason for that avoidance.  Perhaps it was that these corporations are well known in other arenas of life and the politicians involved would not have known of their porn connection?  Why does the article seem to want to hide more than it reveals?  We do not do the cause of more openness in government any service when we use innuendo rather than facts.

David Barber

Excellent article—sweet hypocrisy, the nectar of the GOP!  Now, if we could only get this information across to the red staters who voted for Bush, those who can still distinguish their morality from their religion, and plain truth from Orwellian doublespeak. We all have the same reservoir of common sense, so potentially, we all know what is true and what is a lie. Right?  Uh...right?

It's that supercharged denial of Bush followers we're all up against. Why plain folk can't see the plain truth, that Bush's promises for America don't align with his actions, is beyond me. Why can't they feel the effects of Bush policy on their lives? I am at the point in my thinking that Dems and others opposed to the Bush mafia need to dig up the dirt on every self-absorbed, shameless hypocrite on the Hill and manipulate the masses to shift their mob mentality reactions to burn the real bad guys in our midst.

Great that both sides of the aisle were shown to be hypocrites. Beautifully illustrates the biggest overall problem of the American political system—that big money, no matter the source, is buying nearly all the legislation these days. Also, the article indirectly highlights how the concerns for the average American are being ignored by politicians. Amazing that the power of the constituency is nothing compared to corporate America's waving of purse strings at a politician up for re-election. Thanks again. A real jab at the so-called high and mighty.

Jerell Lambert

After reading the report, I think it is ridiculous. They are focusing on hotel chains and cable providers who provide porn for clients. If an actual porn production house was donating money, I could see this being a real story. Otherwise, it is silly propagandizing—not unlike what Republicans partake in. Get some real news.

R. Reuss

Oily Issues

Re: Mapping The Oil Motive by Michael Klare

I'm surprised that Michael Klare omits what I think is the most important motive for George W. Bush to forcibly remove Saddam Hussein from power:  personal revenge.  George H.W. Bush lost his bid for re-election in 1992 largely because the first Gulf War was a fiasco that left Hussein in power.  I'm sure the Bush camp—including GWB—believe that GHWB would have won re-election if it weren't for Hussein.  And given his well-known disposition for holding grudges and getting even with those who cross him, it makes sense that GWB would take revenge on Hussein by crushing his regime and annihilating him—finishing the job that he thought his father left undone.

Timothy Burgers

I am employed by a large oil company and am dismayed by the lack of ethics our company displays. The corporation waves the flag and is pro-war—no wonder, look at the profits. Our stock went like nowhere for years, but now has split and is worth twice as much. The fact that the corporation has never warned consumers about tightening oil supplies and peak oil is a scandal. They know what they're doing, and it's evil! We need to nationalize our oil! Please, more investigation.

Joseph Work

Deconstructing Dignity

Re: Living With Dignity by Heather Boushey

Would that the president and Congress of the United States were pell-mell rushing back from recess, staying up all night, to pass the law that would prevent the dying of the next 1,500 American soldiers to match those who have died so far in Iraq, and the next 100,000 Iraqi civilians to match those who have been killed by U.S. military action in the past two years of invasion and occupation.

Why are these vibrant, lively Americans and Iraqis less entitled to stay alive than one vegetative Floridian?

Rabbi Arthur Waskow
The Shalom Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

As a physician watching this play out in the media like everyone else, it is shocking to me as to the legislative branch motive here—this far-right branch is trying to say it's about life, but in reality it isn't. It is about politics. I'm sure that hospice is managing this process of death with the utmost of compassion and relief of suffering—but this is never heard. It is representing as killing—or starvation. That is political jargon and garbage as far as I'm concerned. I can sympathize with both sides of the personal aspects, but not the political do-gooder butting in.

David C. Ganch, M.D.

This article presents a false antithesis. Killing Terri Schiavo won't get anyone Food Stamps. She and other hungry people are not enemies, but have the same interest in survival.

Diana E. Forrest

The Terri case has no comparison to other people in this country who expect things to be handed to them. This country affords you the freedom to education and jobs of your choice to then feed your family and and attain medical attention. They are not 'entitled' to handouts! If there wasn't such criminal abuse of the social services, there would be enough out there for the truly needy! Terri's husband needs her dead! If anyone would investigate, I would be curious as to the reason why. It disgusts me that this whole event is happening! It embarrasses me that the whole world is watching! This woman has done nothing wrong, and yet we have prisons on top of prisons with people proven to be guilty, who will never be put to death—never mind starved to death! I have always been proud to be an American. I am not proud of this!

Cynthia  Gendelman

This article should be sent to every senator and congressperson immediately. It should be sent to the right- wing people who are so haughty and pompous. This should stop them dead in their tracks. How could they defend Terri's rights while not defending the people's' rights who are alive and kicking? They are true hypocrites—"There but for the grace of God go I" types. They should look closer to their Bibles.  God didn't particularly like those people—people who thought they were better than others and were always right and were more loved by God than the poor, homeless, hungry and less fortunate. They were not God's favorite people. Best they look deep into their own souls. If they did, they would know that God loves the poor, sick, homeless, etc., a whole lot more than them. Send this article to Bush and Mrs. Bush and all of Washington. Shame on all of them!

Sandra  Lang