We Wish

Please tell me you were playing a prank on your readers with “White Man’s Burden” (Letters, Dec. 19). I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fools Day.

Much as I would love to remain in denial that one of your "white, male" readers would get so defensive about Tom Tomorrow's brilliant wit, I must concede that these backward views on race and sex still exist. Please, Mr. Stout, get out from your unnecessary defensive shield and understand that this country/world is still controlled by white males and their many unwitting enablers. Look at the faces of those in control in the dominant culture to understand where change is needed.

If you are an inclusive human being, that will be noted and understood by those working hard for equality and toward a more inclusive world. There is no need to convince anyone as your actions speak the loudest. The destructive policies of inequality from racism, sexism and classism stem from the power relationships in this country/world. Come join us in doing the hard work to overcome these dynamics and save us the misguided self-promotion.

Mary Moore

Camp Meeker

Don’t Bash

Re: “On Hold” (Letters, Dec. 26). Theodore Meyer jumps on the bash-Israel bandwagon. He alleges that money that assists Israel could go to lower our healthcare costs. First of all, American aid is far less than he claims. Secondly, it is used to buy weapons made in the USA which helps our economy and creates jobs. It is a drop in the bucket compared to the billions spent in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea. Israel has never asked for American troops, and in fact welcomes our servicemen and women for R&R. The Israelis share military intelligence with the United States, and we work together fighting the international threat of Islamic terrorism. Israeli technology in field bandages is used to save American lives on the battlefield.

Meyer may be confusing Israel with the Palestinian Authority when it comes to independence. The PA cannot survive without money from us, the United Nations and others. Yasser Arafat and others squandered billions of aid money. They run to the United Nations against the wishes of President Obama. Israel didn't ask for help to destroy Saddam Hussein's nuclear plant, nor did they ask for help when they took out Syria's nuclear program. When it comes to security they will fight their own battles as they always have. 

The Palestinians have had nearly 20 years since the Oslo Agreement to get their act together. Bill Clinton tried to broker a deal that would have given them a state in virtually all the territory they allegedly claim and they said no and they repeated the rejection twice more. American policy acknowledges that the area where Israel is building is within the area that she will keep, despite the public protestations. 

Gil Stein

Aptos

Put A Little Love In It

Many poor folks in the world haven't yet found the real meaning of Christmas. So many people are lost, lonely, downtrodden, weak and weary. Some are weak in their bodies, weary in their flesh; others are weak in their minds; and yet others are weak in body, mind and spirit. There are the trampled-on, the poor, the persecuted, the hungry; those who are victims of war and crime and exploitation; those who nobody wants and for whom nobody cares; those who have so little in the way of worldly goods, who are lacking in food, clothing and shelter -- even the basic necessities.

There are others who do have material goods and riches. They can extend hands to those who are found wanting; those who have ache inside; those who are engulfed in a sea of emptiness. We can spread a little more love and light and cheer!

"Lift up your fellow man, lend him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart."

Ted Rudow III

Palo Alto

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