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Norquist's Final Solution

"Each year, 2 million people who fought in the Second World War and lived through the Great Depression die. This generation has been an exeception in American history, because it has defended anti-American policies. They voted for the creation of the welfare state and obligatory military service. They are the base of the Democratic Party. And they are dying. And, at the same time, all the time more Americans have stocks. That makes them defend the interests of business, because it is their own interest. Because of that, it's impossible to bring to the fore policies of social hate, of class warfare."

These comments were made by Grover Norquist who also:

- Serves on the Board of the National Rifle Association of America.

- Serves on the Board of the American Conservative Union.

In the past, Mr. Norquist has served as:

- Economist and chief speech-writer, U.S. Chamber o! f Commerce (1983-1984).

- Campaign staff on the 1988, 1992, 1996 Republican Platform Committees.

- Executive Director of the National Taxpayers' Union.

- Executive Director of the College Republicans.

Let alone the audacity of Mr. Norquist to suggest our WWII veterans were anti-American, he then suggests that freedom itself is anti-American?

I for one am appalled by such comments, and knowing that Mr. Norquist writes the policies and platforms for the Republican Party, convinces me that the Republican Party, as an entire ticket, are truly anti-American. I am for free speech, but Mr. Norquist should at the least eat crow.

I would hope that the Washington State Republican Party and its respective statewide candidates could at least humor us and denounce such comments, but I have to think that they all believe him.

Brian Moran, Seattle, WA

Fearing the Future

Being a teenager I fear for my future. If President Bush is re-elected the war in Iraq probably will not be at end, and the invasion of Iran seems inevitable. I will be ripe and legal for being drafted into the armed forces and going to Iraq or any other country that pops its way onto Bush's agenda. The situation in Iraq is the most important issue of this election. If you haven't been following the news this week, John Kerry attacked Bush on his plan in Iraq. "In Iraq, this administration has consistently over promised and underperformed. This policy has been plagued by a lack of planning, an absence of candor, arrogance, and outright incompetence. And the president has held no one accountable, not even himself." I ask everyone to watch the debates so that you can properly decide my fate.

Louis Rosenthal, Dallas, TX

Please! No More Favors!

A look at his record shows that President Bush is not a reliable promise keeper. Yet, and unfortunately for us, there is one promise he did keep.

In 1999, then Texas Governor Bush promised that he would show Washington how to handle a budget surplus. And did he ever! He turned huge surpluses and debt reductions into the greatest deficits and debt increases in history. But, this should not surprise us. He had previously turned surpluses into deficits for Texas!

And here is an indication of what we can look forward to: When asked about the fiscal crises Texas would face after he left the Governor's office, he replied: "I hope I am not around to deal with it."

Jack Mustacchia, Charlotte, NC

A New Approach

As the Sunday paper in Seattle said: We must get out of this place. In June, the month before the handover of power, 42 Americans died. In July, 54 died, 66 died in August, and as I write this 70 soldiers have died this September. By these numbers alone it is a losing battle. But there are other numbers. Over 1,100 soldiers wounded in August, horrible injuries requiring amputations and long term, expensive medical care. This is the most wounded we've had since the invasion. In March there were 700 separate attacks against American forces. In August there were 2,700. The insurgents have stepped up their attacks by 400%. Conditions on the ground are so bad that American soldiers are no longer allowed to go into Falluja, Ramadi, Samarra, or even parts of Baghdad. This allows terrorists a base in the middle of American operations from which to launch attacks against us.

Since we aren't able to even protect ourselves it is no wonder that there is little or no support for Iraqi civilians. From verbal intimidation against those cooperating with us, to kidnappings, to bombings, violence against civilians is on the rise. The Iraqi police force is incapable of stopping it and the coalition forces can't either. Baghdad residents who can afford electricity are plagued by blackouts that can last 14 hours a day. Raw sewage fills the streets. Unemployment in Iraq is more than 50 percent. We haven't yet won the war and we haven't even started winning the peace. The approach being taken towards this war is obviously not working. It is time for a new leader and a new approach.

Connor Lee, Seattle, WA

Character Revealed

The Democrats lacking any real substantial issues or candidate have taken the low road again. Name-calling, false accusations, and calling good bad have become their mantras. They call Bush Stupid without substantiating it. The evidence is quite the opposite. They use fabricated documents to smear Bush and now we see that Bush while in the National Guard had volunteered for a mission that would have taken him into Vietnam. Bush's humility had him keeping those details to himself. The more they try to smear Bush the more we learn of Bush's outstanding character. They would be better off to just lay off.

The more Kerry spotlights his military service the more we learn of his dishonoring his service afterwards. Dishonoring his service by protesting Vietnam, slanderous testimony against his fellow veterans, and now his association with a near-terrorist organization, Vietnam Veterans Against the War. VVAW, was the organization that held a meeting to vote on killing U.S. Senators. Although Kerry spoke against it he was a member of the VVAW steering committee at that time in November, 1971. Kerry denied it, and then when presented with eyewitness accounts and documentation, said he doesn't remember the meeting.

We keep learning more and more about Kerry's post war activities. I learned that Kerry had testified in congress recommending compliance with the Vietnam Communist's demands and stipulations for a U. S. retreat. Kerry's duplicity is character lacking.

Roger W Hancock, Auburn, WA

Assault Weapons

The expiration of the assault weapons ban has once again sparked the debate over gun control. The second amendment of the United States Constitution states: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Obviously the need for a state militia has been replaced by the National Guard and Coast Guard whereby trained military personnel are entrusted with the defense of this country against domestic enemies. Their weapons are tightly controlled and safeguarded.

The only two reasons for a citizen to own a firearm is for hunting and/or defense of the household from intruders. In either case, ownership of a handgun, shotgun or shoulder rifle is more than adequate to satisfy these purposes. There is absolutely no need for any United States civilian to own any weapon more powerful or sophisticated than these. Accordingly, the assault weapons ban must be reinstated and all handguns, shotguns and shoulder rifles must be licensed and registered to the degree necessary to match weapon to owner at the click of a computer key. If we continue the assault weapons ban and register guns, we will not only protect United States citizens from terrorists but also strengthen the resolve of all police departments across the country.

Joe Bialek, Cleveland, OH