‘Homeland' bad for name of department

9/7/2002

There is a logic to President Bush's proposed Department of Homeland Security. But its marketing bothers me. The term “homeland” has subjective implications. Homeland implies an emotional allegiance, a possessiveness and exclusiveness. It implies an arrogance about who is welcome and who is not. The word draws attention to itself because of the obvious alternative term, “domestic.”

A Department of Domestic Security sounds more objective, less unfriendly to non-Americans. The obvious nature of “domestic” makes the choice of “homeland” seem self-conscious and arrogant. Itssubjectivity suggests how one should think about the issue and hence insults the thinking person.

On domestic issues people are free to have opinions and think critically. But to the homeland we should show our allegiance, and it leaves less room for questioning or criticizing. The term reflects Mr. Bush's short-sightedness and insensitivity. I am ashamed to be represented to the rest of the world by this administration.

BRAD KADENS

Sylvania

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I want to congratulate the Mud Hens on not only a great season, but also that they have won another game when it comes to superior customer service.

As I, a friend, and his two young sons entered the stadium Sept. 1, we were greeted by a stadium employee who was very courteous and friendly even though we had on N.Y. Yankee and Columbus Clipper clothing. He made a joke about our affiliation, then provided us with details about the autograph signing and the kids' play area behind centerfield.

This is a long shot from the time my son and I went to Jacobs Field in Cleveland with N.Y. Yankee clothes on and were literally told we could not cross at a particular policeman's intersection because we were Yankee fans.

Keep up the great work. What a wonderful thing for Toledo.

JOE KAHL

Sylvania

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Your article, “Marshals' in-flight acts defended,” prompts me to suggest that the media might want to watch the judge's actions. He, along with the other 30 complaining passengers, probably will sue the airlines and the marshals and anyone else that he can think of. He will suggest that he is only protecting the rights of the other 30.

After all, who are the two most distrusted professionals? Lawyers and politicians. And what is a judge? A judge is a lawyer who became a politician. Combining the two professions makes them trustworthy? Right!

Anyway, it's great to see our skies protected, and protected well.

RICK LEDERMAN

Swanton