Editor, Times-Union: In response to Janice Campbell, I would have to suggest that she find credible resources before spouting off in the public arena.
First and foremost, according to your belief, research or lack there of, you state that there are more Muslims in the world than any other religion. The facts state that there are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in the world and there are anywhere between 1 to 1.3 billion Muslims in the world.
Second, I would like to comment on the United State's view to the world. Despite an initial outpouring of public sympathy for America following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, discontent with the United States has grown around the world over the past years. Opinions about the U.S., however, are complicated and contradictory. People around the world embrace things American and, at the same time, decry U.S. influence on their societies. Similarly, pluralities in most of the nations surveyed complain about American unilateralism. But the war on terrorism, the centerpiece of current U.S. foreign policy, continues to enjoy global support outside the Muslim world. Favorability ratings for the U.S. have fallen in 19 of the 27 countries where trend benchmarks are available. While criticism of America is on the rise, however, a reserve of goodwill toward the United States still remains. The Pew Global Attitudes survey finds that the U.S. and its citizens continue to be rated positively by majorities in 35 of the 42 countries in which the question was asked. True dislike, if not hatred, of America is concentrated in the Muslim nations of the Middle East and in Central Asia, today's areas of greatest conflict.
I do agree that there are tough roads ahead for our country to be favorable again. I do want to say that we should be proud that 93 percent of world aid comes from our country. When they cry for help we come. Should we not? Should we sit back, bring everyone home and let it be all about ourselves? I'm not here to chose sides. I simply want to say that we should not sit here and damn our country or its leaders to death when we can be out volunteering or sponsoring a child, or writing letters to troops who are fighting for my freedom and yours. I hope we can wake up and do something instead of running our mouths.
Janice, I just would like you to do your research completely before you jump on the next time to scribble in the opinion section. Let's lend a hand and not just complain about it. May God bless our wonderful country and our troops.
Jason Spangle, via e-mail Mio, Michigan formerly of Warsaw
Immigration
Editor, Times-Union: This is regarding Mr. Metzger's letter letting us know "how bad" it is out West. Who Cares! We don't live there. And the news has more important things to air. War, crimes, weather! You know, things that are affecting us right here.
I guess I was just confused about your letter. Was your list of statistics strictly for California or were you referring to our community? I enjoy reading letters to the editor. I hate reading letters like yours that make me wonder, "What's your Point?"
Most of us know that the world doesn't just consist of one race or religion. That is the way God made us. So there may be more of one race in an area than another. Again, who cares?
I hope our community continues to accommodate all different types of people. When that happens we have peace, and the businesses make money. And don't just pick on Mestizos (what you call them) taking advantage of healthcare. I've worked around healthcare and I'm telling you a lot of all different types of people take advantage of it. I will never understand why people like you are wasting what short time we have here on earth worrying about petty things. I will pray for you.
