Reader Comments
Issue 136 - July 22, 2009

Editor: Your article "Real Iranian Revolt" reads like you were involved in the intelligence community or have a consultant who is or was an intelligence analyst. I was with the United States Army Special Security Group for 11 years and worked with the C.I.A., D.I.A., NSA and others. I just wanted to say your article was an excellent and in depth description of Iran and what is going on there. President Obama should listen to the old salts in the field before making a foreign policy statement because it is obvious he doesn't know what he is doing and too often embarrassing the United States by words or actions, for example when he bowed to foreign dignitaries and said "We are a Muslim Nation." BG

Editor: Your article “Real Iranian Revolt” is brilliant. It fits perfectly with the principles outlined in my article “A Classical Liberal View of the Iraq War” (http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=053107B). Respect for other nations’ sovereignty, and their right to do things with which we don’t agree, is as important as respecting individuals’ rights within one’s own nation. It’s all too often difficult to resist the temptation to “do something,” as indicated by Obama’s retreat from his initial position, the correct one, of not interfering in the present matter in Iran. But it’s the right thing to do, and as your article vividly shows, it tends to work out for the best in practical terms as well. S.T. Karnick

Editor: Regarding “Real Iranian Revolt” I enjoy your work. You are passionately eloquent and convincing. I am 64 and have raised three wonderful sons and all three of them work with me in the business I successfully started over 30 years ago. Almost all of my adult life, I have been a Republican. However, I was extremely disappointed at the party for not being able to put forth a more viable candidate than John McCain. We lost the election and now our country is in the throes of a deep recession and a stunningly swift slide toward socialism. And there has been no profound cohesive response from the Republican Party. Obama inherited a problem with the economy from George W. Bush. But he has taken advantage of that circumstance to create a colossal economic disaster and to provide cover for installing socialism. Who is out there who can rally the country to bring back sanity to government? I've had it with the GOP and am ready to support someone who would have the charisma to lead the country out of this Obamination. Any advice? Dennis Garberg, Overland Park, KS

Editor: Regarding “Real Iranian Revolt,” I never fail to learn from your columns. This latest one on Iran puts everything in a different light and makes me rethink our approach to that very backwards country. Do you have any idea what percentage of the population supports western style democracy and wants to shed the strict Islamic way of life? Is there hope for them a generation down the road? Bill Sizemore

Editor: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! “Real Iranian Revolt” is the most informative article I've read regarding the turmoil in Iran. You've clarified the murky, muddy news to which we've been subjected regarding Iran and their Powers that Be. You've made clear that talk (rhetoric) of attacking Iran inflames a situation that can resolve itself if left alone. Yes, Teddy Roosevelt's credo, "Speak softly but carry a big stick." applies to this situation. Ronald Reagan understood this. People tend to forget that Persia remains a vibrant government that has survived two and a half millennia. The US, barely past the infancy stage, has elected politicians who seem intent upon destroying our republican government. Again, thank you, Rose

Editor: Regarding “Real Iranian Revolt,” the best course to take in Iranian affairs and the one the serves American interests is to help foment disorder of any kind in that benighted nation. As you imply, Mousavi is no ‘reformer.’ He was the guiding light behind the founding of Hamas in the Palestinian area and Hezbollah in Lebanon – neither of which are beacons of democracy or positive social change. Muslim nations tend toward totalitarian and/or kleptocratic regimes by their nature. The best we could have hoped for in Iran was the western leaning shah who’s been gone for over 30 years. There will never be true western style democracy in any Muslim nation without a fundamental societal change that would include a religious upheaval, a very unlikely occurrence. Mohammedism simply does not countenance any serious dissent nor does it tolerate religious rivalry, even within its own ranks. Many of these countries experienced their most prosperous years under benevolent European colonialism or quasi-colonialism and when left to their own devices, reverted to tribalism, internecine warfare, and threatening neighbors. Iran is no different, regardless of how cosmopolitan the inhabitants of Teheran view themselves. The difference today is that the world is a smaller place than it once was and the threatened neighbors are just a plane ride or intercontinental ballistic missile away. James C. McAlister, Tampa, FL

Editor: I just reviewed the article by Tom Tripp, "Root of Economic Crisis". It is an excellent article. The present battle is over the Obama proposal, "Financial Regulatory Reform." It is much worse than previous proposals and is an attack on community banks across America. Please review the proposal on this matter that will be presented to the Republican National Committee and consider supportive action. Sincerely, Ross Little, Jr., Republican National Committeeman, Louisiana

Editor: "Root of Economic Crisis" says: "..does anyone really believe banks voluntarily loaned money they knew had little likelihood of repayment?” Sir, the in-the-know Mainstreet American knows.  We know it was the Democratic Congress and their key supporters who think only of themselves and their power.  Somehow all of these liberal politicians need to be tried for treason.  Even on the world stage, they and their distorted sense of compassion need to be brought to justice.  THEY tripped up the world economy. Diane Moore, Common housewife

Editor: Oh what a beautiful article by Tom Tripp on the real cause behind the collapse of our economy. My prayer is that every citizen of this great nation will open their eyes and ears, acknowledge this fact, and insist that our government take responsibility, and investigate those who are behind this great travesty. Donna Johnson

Editor: After reading Tom Tripp’s article "Root of Economic Crisis" I would like to offer a quick comment. The REAL root of our economic crisis began with the adoption of the Federal Reserve. Eventually, this decision allowed private corporations, banks and individuals to gain control of our democratic process. Until one understands the true root of the economic problems, one will not be able to offer a fully valid solution. Respectfully, Terry Landers

Editor: If Tom Tripp’s article on the “Root of Economic Crisis” is "Square One", then there must also be a "Square Zero" because even though I totally agree with the rest of his article, he still does not begin at the beginning. This is a simplified version of really a very simple set of principles and events. In 1971 President Nixon in effect took the entire world off the gold standard by unlinking US currency from gold. From that day forward there was literally nothing except trust holding up the value of the dollar. As long as the economy was good, then there was trust, and the dollar value was stable, except for the controlled inflation that the Fed has set in place (so its own corporation owners can make a huge profit off of the printing of extra money). To quote Jude Wanniski, "There is not now any self-corrective economic force acting to pull the economy out of its inflationary nose-dive." Fast forward to 2006 (and skip over a lot of juicy details). We have been hearing from the conventional liberal media beginning in about 2006 how terrible the economy is. While it is correct that it is a house of cards, the average Joe has no clue of that. In 2006 the economy really did not appear to be bad. There were jobs, income and relative (to today) stability. For two years most of us were looking at a good economy and wondering exactly where is it so bad? However, if you hear this every day for two or three years, many will start believing it, which is exactly what they wanted. It was a two year-plus plan to destroy consumer confidence in the economy. The media created a problem that did not yet exist, just to create an environment in which their liberal darling, B.H. Obama could come along and appear to save the day. It all worked. Obama is elected. Now we are left with money that is backed by nothing but trust, and there is no trust left. Very simple. The sad part is that all they did is selfishly accelerate the inevitable. We were heading here anyway. With that said, you could go on back to a "Square Double Zero" if you wish. To me that would be the traitorous actions of President Woodrow Wilson to create the Federal Reserve System which made all this possible in the first place. Bill L. Smith, Jr.

Editor: Thank Ronald Sampson’s “”Jane Fonda Woman of Century” so much for letting us know exactly how much Jane did to hurt our soldiers. I knew she had betrayed our country by appearing with the enemy, but I didn't know all the things she did personally to contribute to the pain and suffering and death of our men. How can we make her nomination for this honor not happen? Sincerely, Nancy Carter

Editor: If Jane Fonda had behaved during WWII, the way she did during the war in Vietnam, she would have been hung as a traitor. The FACT that prisoners of war were tortured as a direct result of her behavior only makes the word TREASON less than adequate to describe her behavior. Phillip Thompson

Editor: All I can say about S.T. Karnick’s “Character Assassination” about the double standard fused against Gov. Sarah Palin is, “Excellent!” Marie

Editor: Regarding S.T. Karnick’s “Character Assassination,” I would like to write to Governor Palin to give her my support. I am a registered Democrat, but not too proud about it as the party goes down the path to destruction of my country. I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with over 20+ years. I am 87 years old, and I believe this young lady has more guts than the entire bunch of A--H----in the Obama Democratic Socialist Party...because that is what he is aiming for. I would like the address of the Governor's Office in Alaska, and ask that she get on the offensive. It takes all of her time to fight the false news spewed out by the donkey party...that's what they are, and they have the right logo to indentify them. I don't know if it has crossed her mind, but I will tell you why the Democrats are attacking her...not so much to discredit her, but because they are definitely afraid of this very capable woman who can perform beyond their wildest dreams. We, as Americans need her so very badly. John F. Thomas, Maryland

Editor: I see the double standard S.T. Karnick talks about in “Character Assassination” in the biased media all the time. Our local newspaper is one that is liberal. The newspapers are hurting and for good reason. J. DeBarth

Editor: I whole heartedly agree with S.T. Karnick’s comments in the "Character Assassination" article. Thank you for your correct representation of the media's bias against conservatives in any area of political and social life. I am tired of being bombarded by their ignorant and immoral comments. Sam Sheldon

Editor: Regarding "Character Assassination" by S. T. Karnick, yup, I agree. Trash mouth Letterman is the person we value so highly even when he makes unbelievable disparaging remarks about a 14 year girl. This is beyond disgusting. That Letterman isn't ripped off the air or at least given a reprimand shows how far our country has gone down the sewer. Donald G

Editor: From his article “Character Assassination” it is clear S.T. Karnick is a man of integrity and a patriot and outfits like American Conservative Union Foundation and Conservative Battleline Online, with courage enough to publish truth, are all enablers of freedom and must be commended. Thank you all. Gary Sorrells, Lindon, Utah

Editor: Years ago I contributed annually to PBS because I enjoyed their programming. Unfortunately, they have joined the rest of the far left wing liberal media. I stopped donating and also stopped watching. I do a lot more reading now and listening to music on radio. Their loss is my gain so to speak. It's time this country woke up. Thanks to Brent Bozell for a great article, “Nonpartisan PBS?” Joe McCaffrey, USMC 1958-1964

Editor: Regarding Brent Bozell's article “Nonpartisan PBS?” the American people are the real victims in society for putting up with unsavory people like Letterman. Also, I think it's time the American people started standing up for truth and integrity. Don't say to yourself, well if it's good for me it's ok this time. It is not. Hold yourself and those you love to a higher standard and then you'll know what to expect from your leaders. Oftentimes the right thing is the hardest thing to do but if we lose our integrity we lose ourselves. America, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you really like what you see. If not, be strong and change. Austin Alyse Armstrong

Editor: Thank you for publishing Brent Bozell's “Nonpartisan PBS?” that clearly describes for all the bias on PBS. I have not had TV for years because there is nothing worth watching, and am appalled whenever I happen to see current programming on all channels, PBS included. 20 years ago PBS was at least safe if a little biased. It has now really moved to the left. Again, thank you! Martin Nelson

Editor: Regarding Brent Bozell's “Nonpartisan PBS?” as Mark Twain almost said, "Anyone not listening to PBS is uninformed. Anyone listening to PBS is programmed." So why when the conservative Republicans had control did they not shut this Pravda down? Bill Ford

Editor: I agree with Brent Bozell's statement in his “Nonpartisan PBS?” but do have to note that his article was seemingly more about abortion than the destruction of the new "freedom" of speech. Kim Dery

Editor: Brent Bozell's article “Nonpartisan PBS?” was right on the money. I often think about Sen. Arlen Specter's comment that Row v. Wade is a “super precedent.” If that is so, with its supposed legalization of abortion only in the early months, isn't it obvious that late term abortion is unconstitutional? Tim Sullivan

Editor: Regarding John Goodman’s “Why Health Reform Trouble?” I cannot understand how these so called Representatives' and Senators who think they are so smart are acting in such a stupid manor. They are not acting in a responsible way on behalf of the American People. I can look at them and see they are only interested in their own political agenda. That is, supporting a President who only cares about rewarding the few people that hold IOUs to him and his party. Our Representatives' and Senators have not looked at the disaster similar health plans have produced for the countries that have already moved in that direction. Tell these people to open their eyes and see that they are going to make us all welfare cases. Michael Alexander, Macon, Ga.

Editor: Thank you for John Goodman’s analysis of the situation in “Why Health Reform Trouble?” We have a grandson who just enrolled in medical school to become a surgeon. His Dad is an orthopedic surgeon who has a good practice and related business. We have Medicare and Blue Cross from my former employer. I have been retired for some time. Medications are provided through a mail order system. We end up paying a portion of the above, but when a major need arises, we have been fortunate. I was born in 1930, my wife in 1929, so you can see where we would be under the new rationed care proposal. So, my message is: don't mess with our health care. Carl and Frances Sheneberger