The war, traffic lights and Giffen

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: June 26, 2008

What are we winning?

To the editor:

Inspired by, “Why quit when you’ve won?” (June 19, page A4), where is victory when the ideology of the enemy is to strap on body bombs, plant IEDs, infiltrate the ruling government and corrupt and destroy the principles of freedom?

These actions are the basis for a lifetime of terrorism. No one wins a war that lasts 100 years. The objective of the terrorist is not to defeat the enemy outright. Killing one, two, three or more troops a day is victory for them. Killing 50 or more civilians is a just cause to them as well — just blame it on the occupiers. They believe that they are unstoppable and that they can win.

Who in America truly believes what our objectives are in Iraq? Do we even know who our allies are? We do know that President Bush has been more loyal to his lying friends than to America.

We lose only when we refuse to embrace change. No one can defeat us but ourselves. Our forces are the best in the world. I know, because I was one of them. The Marine Corps taught me six words as soon as I hit the Parris Island sand: sir, yes, no, attack, kill and adjust. After 13 weeks, I was able to translate that into honor, respect, duty, commitment, sacrifice and common sense.

Think about it — close your eyes and vote with your common sense. Don’t let a war of words overshadow a war on terrorism. Be colorblind and show the world what we are really fighting for, which is democracy, not bigotry, fraud, ignorance or oil. What will you do in November? Don’t let the Bushwacker and his friends shoot you in the backside.

I believe in the power of unity. Terror will never defeat any nation under God. Remember the phrase, “in God we trust?” This will be the key to stimulating our economy as well. We will lead again!

TIMOTHY LAMAR MALONE

To the editor:

Am I the only one who thinks it is a problem to have to stop at every traffic light while driving on Main Street? When one light turns green, the other one turns red. You can stop at a red light and wait with no traffic coming through.

I sometimes ask myself why are there so many traffic lights on Main Street, Riverside Drive and all over the city. There seems to be no logical answer to the question.

I can just imagine the traffic jams when the shopping hub opens if city officials do not tackle — or at least take a look at — this problem. There are too many traffic lights — and they do not seem to be timed correctly.

With gas costing almost $4 a gallon, what are we supposed to do to conserve? Most people have their car air conditioning on, so maybe they do not suffer as some of us do. I would like to know how they are making it.

My utility bills alone are driving me nuts. Then there are the food bills and all the other bills that have to be paid. How do other people make it? I really would like to know.

MAXINE C. JACKSON

To the editor:

We read, “Giffen to run for Danville treasurer,” (June 19, page B1). We just feel compelled to say that we are privileged to have had Dave and his wonderful family as our next-door neighbors for the first 18 years after their move to Danville. You could search the world over and will never find a finer person than Dave Giffen.

Our city will certainly be blessed should he be elected treasurer!

VIC MEGGINSON

Danville