Open Forum Feb. 23, 2004

Here's who will

Dear Editor,

I would like to comment on Mr. Stramel's last couple of sentences ("If not W, who?"

He says "In the next U.S. election re-elect George W. If he doesn't kill all the evil, wicked people dead, then who will?"

To answer that question I would start by saying it won't be George W. Bush doing all the killing of these wicked people. It will be the young men and women serving our country on foreign soil. All President Bush does is send our U.S. soldiers to these countries to do all killings of these evil, wicked people.

Sorry it took so long for me to respond but the McCook Daily Gazette carriers here in Iraq are a little slow.

Thank you for your time and hope to see you all soon.

SSG Matthew Roth

via e-mail

Scripted picture

Dear Editor,

I wonder what leads Mr. Wendelin to think that Mr. Bush's appearance at the Daytona 500 was any less scripted than the usual reading of the nightly news. Even the race cars are part of a fiction, fans pretend they are "stock cars"and that turning perpetually left on a circular or D-shaped parking lot is a test of driving skill.

This was a calculated political photo op as carefully scripted and staged as the carrier landing, no more "real America" than any hollywood film.

Pat Tolle,

via e-mail

Honor volunteers

Dear Editor,

Following the 9/11 tragedy, the entire nation responded with millions in donations to the families of the firefighters who lost their lives. Now, all Nebraskans need to be responsive and send donations to the Wood River firefighter's families. It is especially important in that these firefighters were "volunteers." They were not paid like the New York firefighters.

Donations should be sent to the "Wood river Firefighters Relief Fund" at the Heritage Bank, 110 E. Ninth Street, Wood River NE 68803.

If you haven't already sent in a donation, sit down and do it now. If every Nebraskan will respond, this could provide a meaningful fund for these families.

Bob Kutz,

Grand Island

Please write

Dear Editor,

I am an eighth grader student at Washington Manor Middle School in San Leandro, Calif. I am currently doing a school project that entails planning a vacation to your fine state. I would greatly appreciate any information or memorabilia that your generous readers could send me. I am interested in family activities, interesting historical sights and unique artifacts that make your state special. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Michele Lau

WMMS c/o Wetteland

1170 Fargo Ave.

San Leandro CA 94579