MAILBAG: Iraq’s malice can’t be quelled in ‘a few short years’

Our military mission in the Middle East, writes Tom Williams (“Columnist fails to see both sides of war,” Sept. 15) is to “stop the madmen Osama Bin Laden and Mahmoud Amadinejad of Iran before they can attack us.”

“It’s called pre-empting,” he adds.

Right. Our adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan have been such a smashing success that we should recycle them in Iran. Moreover, “Within a few short years,” Williams says, “there will be a strong, self sufficient, vibrant democracy at work in Iraq that will be the showpiece of the Middle East.”

A few short years? Does he seriously believe that centuries of sectarian malice can be quelled so quickly? That a civilized society in Iraq, based on respect for the rule of law, can simultaneously evolve? In your wildest dreams, Mr. Williams.

A final thought: Will Tom Williams ever outgrow the invective that permeates his letters? Perhaps in a few short years.

ALEX BOTTS

Newport Beach

9/11 should be marked by remembrance

I read with interest the front page article (“Students turn to peace,” Sept. 12).

Student organizers at Corona Del Mar High School chose to hold a “Unity Assembly” to mark the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Organizers stated they “didn’t want the candlelight vigil” and wanted to “learn (lessons) from 9/11 like forgiveness and peace.” A representative for the Anti-Defamation League and Linda Biehl spoke about respect and understanding for individuals and community.

Tolerance and understanding are admirable and necessary for individuals, societies and countries, and are pinions of civilization. Teaching these values and having a forum for discussion may mitigate and even obviate many of the racial, religious and social tensions that are far too pervasive today. The fact that students and their advisor felt this is important is commendable.

However, the brutal, evil attacks that were visited upon innocent civilians on that clear September day at the World Trade Center should not be marked as a day of tolerance or forgiveness. Indeed, just who are we forgiving? Osama Bin-Laden? The victims who were pulverized? The planning and implementation by these Islamic terrorists was murder. To mark 9/11 as anything other than that, and to minimize this to young students, is misguided at least.

Most of the students were in grade school six years ago and didn’t have a clear understanding of what occurred in New York.

Our personal lives as well as our country’s direction have drastically changed because of these attacks. We must recognize the terrorist attacks were a national tragedy, not in the sense of Hurricane Katrina, but an attack on our values. We do not mark the bombing of Pearl Harbor as a day of forgiveness and 9/11 should never be marked as a day of forgiveness either.

STEVEN F. WEINSTEIN

Newport Beach

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