Editor, Times-Union: Re: Buck Young Slow down there, Buck-a-roo. I enjoyed reading your article titled "Israel", too. Unlike Janice Campbell, however, I must disagree with your premise that there is no difference between terrorists and freedom fighters.
If there is a lesson in all this then the question is this: What is it that is in bondage that freedom fighters are freeing?
A rogue nation's corporate elite are employees of the state. As a result, the state then poses the distribution rights to the wealth the business leaders generate. That's why 60 percent of a rogue nation's population is unemployed.
We detest corporation bondage. So our freedom fighters are in Muhammad's back yard adjusting some rather harsh rules of corporate conduct which only serve to enrich the lives of the already rich.
Know what freedom fighters do? They set the corporate slaves free to distribute the wealth they generate in a manner more conducive to corporate vibrancy.
Because let's face it, young buck, a 60-percent unemployment rate is an abomination in any nation whether its civilians are Muslims or martians.
Steven R. Frantz Warsaw
Sidewalks
Editor, Times-Union: As a Leesburg resident, perhaps I have no right to an opinion in this matter, but I can not help but notice the condition of the "new" sidewalks that were put in along North Park Avenue, in Warsaw, some years back.
The grass has grown up in the expansion cracks to the point in some areas it has begun to bust the concrete. I was initially very impressed with the sidewalk, curb and road work done in this traditionally depressed area, that as of late, has begun to improve and flourish. But in the last two years the concrete work has begun to look very neglected. Upon calling the City Street Department, I was informed that the responsibility of maintaining the sidewalks falls upon the property owner. OK, where does that leave the sidwalks that run the length of the two swampy areas and the stretch that runs along the railroad track on the north end? I also would question this policy in regard to the comparison of the cost or, better yet, the value of these sidewalks and curbs versus the cost of sending a crew out, for what would appear to be one day's work, to remove and spray these weeds.
If nothing else, I think it would fall upon the city to make residents aware of thier responsibility, in light of how bad this problem has become.
Ted Carter, via e-mail Leesburg
Bin Laden
Editor, Times-Union: Until the CNN bin Laden program last evening (8/27/06) I considered myself a person of at least average intelligence with a fair knowledge of history, with an awareness of what has happened in my lifetime and current events in our world.
Last night's program on Osama bin Laden's footsteps was a shocker!
I awakened at 4:30 today and here I am at my computer saying: Now we know! Now we know who Osama bin Laden is and what makes him tick! He is a "driven" man! He, along with a big bunch of siblings, was born into wealth measuring in the billions in Saudi Arabia. He took advantage of educational opportunities. He learned English. He was religious - even to the extent of it being a "surprise" to his closest friends to see him take it seriously.
As an adult young man he voluntarily chose to deny himself many of the material "luxuries" most people of wealth enjoy, and got along with just the simple necessities. So far, so good. He was seriously religious and frugal in his consumption of earth's bounties.
Now a weak shot at the impossible: Summarize a two-hour program!
Osama, along with Adolph Hitler, chose hate as the "motif" of the symphony of his life and religion, rather than love! What a difference it could have made in his life - and the history of our world - if he had chosen to follow the example of some loving man or woman who faithfully followed our Lord, Jesus Christ!
Our world needs another Francis of Assisi, Albert Schweitzer, Billy Graham, or Mother Teresa! And the need is now!
Hatemongers, sexfiends, money-mad and pleasure-seeking people are plentiful at every level in every nation on earth! We "ordinary" people may never be called great in the polls of our world, but each of us can make choices that put us on the right side of every issue! It's time to take a stand for what we know is right - right now! That will assure that we stand on the right side on the final Judgment Day that Revelation 20:12 speaks of!
