Iraqi oil belongs in U.S.
Donald Trump made a comment that many of our servicemen have
given their lives in Iraq. We should get the oil. A few months back
China signed a deal with Iraq for oil.
Robert Gila Jr.
Hollister
Freedom of speech provides dissenting views
It is about time that I gave credit to our local pacifist demonstrators sometimes referred to as Hollister-in-Black. They are true to their cause even when facing what the administration refers to as a ‘kinetic military action’ in Libya, whatever that is. They refuse to be hoodwinked; war is war no matter what euphemisms are used to describe it and they know it.
This is very different from the 95-percent of partisan protesters-for-hire who have all but disappeared from the national scene since the last presidential election; our local peace group is completely sincere. Being sincere is an honorable position just like the many conscientious objectors who would not fight but who would serve.
No, I’ve not come over to their side even though I’ve called for an immediate withdrawal from Afghanistan based on the unworkable rules of engagement and the questionable quality of the Afghan ‘allies’ we are pretending to support. I still believe that the pacifists are wrong – war is sometimes a terrible necessity and when there is fighting, speaking with one voice is important, but there is always room for honest dissent. Morale is an underappreciated attribute of all military operations. We have the freedom to dissent, but those doing the dissenting must realize that how they present their case can have some undesirable effects thousands of miles away.
All that said, the fact that this group has shown itself to be nonpartisan in their principles must be commended in a world where partisanship seems to drive every position on all sides. In the interest of full disclosure, my wife regularly demonstrates with the other side and I have joined that bunch once or twice. The opposing views of the two groups have been stated peaceably and civilly, no rock throwing, no faces of American politicians morphed into Hitler or similar made-for-TV nonsense; just expressions of philosophy and some minor friction that is to be expected. It may be boring, but it is a boring I can live with.
So, here is my personal hats off to Hollister’s pacifist movement; they have shown themselves to be true to their cause and lifted it above the mudslinging of partisan political debate. I disagree with them, but they have earned my respect and that is what freedom of speech is all about.
Marty Richman
Hollister
Iraqi oil belongs in U.S.
Donald Trump made a comment that many of our servicemen have given their lives in Iraq. We should get the oil. A few months back China signed a deal with Iraq for oil.
Robert Gila Jr.
Hollister
