Disagrees With Buchanan Over Death Row Pardons
Regarding Pat Buchanan's comment on Gov. Ryan's commutation of death sentences meted out to Illinois' death row inmates ["George Ryan's Pathetic Farewell," HUMAN EVENTS, January 20, page 1], I watched Ryan's address to the DePauw University Law School on C-Span and was struck by the fact that a lot of research and investigation was conducted over a three- or four-year period prior to his coming to this decision.
I was appalled at the methods used by the Chicago Police Department in securing "confessions" from the accused. Gov. Ryan named names and gave credit to investigators who worked diligently to come up with the evidence needed to exonerate those who were wrongfully charged with these crimes.
I didn't notice any rebuttal to this article, and I believe it to be slanted journalism. I am a conservative Republican, and I support the death penalty for rightly accused and convicted murderers, rapists, and the like, but I do not support the Gestapo tactics of the Chicago Police Department, and based on that evidence I believe Gov. Ryan to be absolutely justified in his actions, and the decision to review all other convictions that are suspect.
Applauds Ann Coulter On Aliens, Terrorism
Bravo to Ann for focusing on the issue of illegal immigration vis-?? -vis terrorism ["Democrats Beat the Bushes for Another Terrorist Attack," HUMAN EVENTS, January 20, page 6]. However, another under-reported outcome of illegal immigration is the economic disaster illegals represent to taxpayers.
In Texas, the state budget is $10 billion in the hole. No small part of the cause is the enormous burden illegals place on our hospitals, social services, educational, and other systems. Why is it politically incorrect to shine a light on this international theft?
Two Towers Review Strikes Right Cords
The review of The Two Towers by Mrs. Coombs was well done ["A Joy Forever: The Two Towers as a Cultural Renaissance," HUMAN EVENTS, January 13, page 25]. Good to see such fine writing complete with equally fine analysis of an underestimated and misunderstood film.
In Appreciation Of John Ashcroft
Congratulations on your selection of John Ashcroft ["John Ashcroft: Man of the Year," HUMAN EVENTS, December 23, page 1] for man of the year. Mr. Ashcroft is truly a great American. He is my choice for our next President-in 2008.
Correcting the Record On Foss and WWII
While I would not want to belittle the efforts of Mr. Foss in World War II ["Joe Foss, Outspoken Conservative, R.I.P.," HUMAN EVENTS, January 13, page 26], you say he was the top Marine Ace with 26 kills, but Col. Gregory (Pappy) Boyington shot down 28. So who is really the top Marine Ace of that war?
On Henry A. Wallace As Radical Socialist
It figures that the Clinton regime in 1999 dedicated a room at the Agriculture Department to its leftist former secretary, Henry Agard Wallace, who also served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt, as Ann Coulter points out ["Democrats: A Lott of Trouble," HUMAN EVENTS, December 23, page 6].
The "American Dreamer" is set to receive even more acclaim: The federal government is currently building the Henry A. Wallace Education/Visitor Center next door to the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, N.Y.
The new $10-million center is supposed to boost tourism at the Roosevelt homestead, as well as provide a setting for international conferences on the New Deal and other legacies of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt years.
No doubt, the dedication of the new center will include officials and politicians like George McGovern putting a rosy spin on the "progressive," pro-Soviet agenda of Wallace.
As FDR sought a fourth term as President, even his own party back then had the wisdom to see the growing liability of Wallace's Soviet sympathies. At the Democrats' 1944 national convention the party kingpins demanded FDR cut loose Wallace and pick as Vice President someone a little more mainstream for the ticket.
When FDR suddenly died in office in 1945, it was a good thing that Harry Truman, and not the "American Dreamer," was waiting in the wings to take command.
Military Draft Offers Color-Blind Service
In reference to your article ["Drafting for Social Equity?," HUMAN EVENTS, January 20, page 10], I am a retired, disabled former Marine. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren that could be involved in war. I served and my son signed up immediately for the draft at age 18. I do believe in the draft and not for any ideological reasons. I believe in it because I believe it would help many of our youth today to get straightened out.
Since the draft was eliminated, we have noticed an increase in problems with youth that I don't remember being around in the '50s and '60s. The draft is not prejudice and is quite diverse.
It's surprising to me (probably shouldn't be) that the liberals who are presently speaking for a draft are using it with the idea that the only people who serve are uneducated and low income! They evidently haven't been in the service.
Maybe they used the same method as former President Clinton to elude the draft? I've never heard of any enemy weapon that chose its victim based on his social background, race, or family income!
Appreciates Limbaugh's Insightful Perspective
After reading David Limbaugh's column ["Lott Affair Means Greater Challenges for GOP," HUMAN EVENTS, January 6, page 11], we are compelled to write our wholehearted agreement and appreciation for such clear statements reflecting what we consider to be the way it ought to be.
As we continue to follow the work of the Limbaugh brothers, we are so grateful for the legacy their parents have given to America by raising these two boys to become the men they have become-in speaking the truth of America's heartland-bred conservatives.
