`Secret deal' idea too silly to be believed
12/22/2001Roger Chapman's Saturday Essay repeated an accusation that “we know that Reagan-Bush strategists were negotiating a secret ... deal” to delay the release of the hostages from Iran in 1980 as truth. Not so.
To believe such, one must also believe Iran's vociferously anti-American revolutionary Islamic regime preferred Ronald Reagan to Jimmy Carter and dutifully kept the secret since. The same people who labeled the United States as the “Great Satan” and supported violence against Americans and American interests secretly conspired to defeat Mr. Carter, a foreign policy incompetent whom they had showed themselves capable of humiliating.
Apparently the Iranians wanted to rid the American people of an economically flailing Carter administration that had proved itself unequal to the task of challenging OPEC price increases, the very vehicle that enriched Iran.
Then they kept the secret despite the United States arming Iraq during a war in which hundreds of thousands of Iranians died; as the Reagan administration, in conspiracy with Iran's Sunni enemies in Saudi Arabia, collapsed the price of oil, thereby bankrupting the Iranian government; as the United States won the Cold War, facilitating the subsequent American hegemony, which they regularly criticize; as the United States bombed Libya, fortified Lebanon for Israel, stationed troops near Mecca, and liberated Kuwait; as the United States isolated Iran by placing it on the list of nations sponsoring terrorism, and as Mr. Reagan swept to victory in 1984 and Bush the elder in 1988.
It is so silly that only an academic could unquestionably believe it. Next time, add the qualifier “alleged” to the charge.
JAMES A. WINTER
Waterville
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The best political joke of 2001 is Governor Taft, who said he was the education governor and has cut funding for libraries.
ROLAND SCHARER
Holland
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The letter by a current student indicating Waite High School is “beyond repair” is a classic example of an unqualified person making a specious argument that begs the question.
As a frequent visitor to Waite High in the past several years, the assertion that the building is “crumbling on stilts” is patently false, even to a casual observer. Furthermore, the reference to “structural problems,” without identifying any, would best be left to an evaluation by a civil engineer, architect, or qualified builder.
The aesthetics exemplified by the structures comprising Waite, Scott, and DeVilbiss high schools and their spacious settings seem to be lost on this youngster, who apparently believes a “new, modern facility” will somehow enhance his ability to learn.
Frankly, I attribute my academic achievements to the dedicated and highly proficient teachers at Waite who provided me with the inspiration and sound educational background to compete and achieve my goals.
The beauty of the building was “frosting on the cake.”
GARY E. GABRIEL
Fallbrook Road
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I think that the Waite High School student who alleged that Waite High School is “inadequate for learning” and is “a crumbling building up on stilts” should be more specific, based on his own knowledge and experience, of course, about how replacing this architectural masterpiece would improve student education and provide a better learning environment, one that meets his exacting standards.
As a 1947 graduate, I am impressed with Waite, which now offers a larger variety of classes in different settings and more educational opportunities than we ever had. The school itself is much larger with fewer students than in my day and seems in better condition to me, thanks to the present administration.
Demolishing beautiful historic buildings in Toledo is a bane to a community desperately looking for beauty, interest, and revitalization. Tear down Waite High School? Replace it with a contemporary bunker as a monument to our lack of value or vision?
That imprudent act might make some adults in this area rich, but it will not improve the educational experience or academic performance of students one iota.
G.E. GORSUCH
Perrysburg
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I would like to commend those people responsible for the safe return of my stolen van and property, which were recently taken from me. I campaigned on the platform of more police and less crime when I ran for City Council in November. I totally support Mayor-elect Jack Ford's plan to get our police force up to authorized strength.
Therefore it was distressing that my personal vehicle was stolen from my driveway just before daybreak. I saw it several times being driven in the Old West End neighborhoods and people called me to let me know where it was because the thieves did not remove my campaign stickers from the windows.
Alas, there were no police cars in the area each time I called 911 to report its location. Upon talking to my neighbors, I learned there has been a sharp increase in cars being stolen in the area.
While my van was being driven off, their pals were breaking into the car three doors down as well. They were stupid enough to wreck my van and blow the front tire, therefore stopping their joyride after a few days.
I would like to congratulate Delores Busby and Dan Stewart of the Mildred Bayer Clinic for the Homeless for recovering my briefcase and personal belongings from Upton Avenue, and the Toledo police officers who responded to the 911 call from the good citizen in the 1800 block of Hoag when the very amateur thieves bailed out.
God remembers all things. If you have done evil unto another person, please make a U-turn when you arrive at the pearly gates of Heaven!
SCOTT A. ROBINSON
Parkwood Avenue
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Perhaps the best Christmas present Americans could want is to know their country and what it stands for is alive and well. Certainly we have proved this patriotically and militarily in recent events. However, I have been personally reminded of it lately in another category: kindness and brotherly love.
I was taking my parakeets of seven years, George and Tootsie, to the vet for a checkup when the bottom of the cage fell off in the parking lot, and George got loose. In my subsequent daily saga of scouring the neighborhoods around Airport Highway for the last month, I have become reacquainted with the American people, and how wonderful they indeed are.
I was afraid that in this day and age the police (or men in white coats) would be called on a strange guy with binoculars and a boom box playing bird sounds, but rather the opposite occurred.
The vet loaned me a net, stores and factories allowed me to post fliers, neighbors bought birdseed and put it out. Chimney sweeps offered ladders, mailmen watched for him, and a Baptist minister prayed. One wonderful family opened their home to me continually for help and warmth. Others reassured me with incidents of parakeets' surviving cold, and others offered a warm smile and permission to scout their property.
This is the real America. Despite the hype to the contrary, it is alive and well in that most important of ways: love. So when you see your fellow Americans, offer a warm hello and “Happy Holiday” and get reacquainted - they truly deserve it.
And if you see George ...
DAVE BAUMGARTEN
Westmar Court
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I congratulate the grand jury for not indicting the man who helped his wife die. I sincerely hope that all will take heed and make sure they have a living will and the needed power of attorney forms. No matter what your age, this is a vital and important part of your future. Please, do it soon.
SHIRLEY SHELT
Maumee