Reader Values North's Battleground Dispatches
I really enjoyed reading Oliver North's article ["That's Why They Call 'Em U.S. Marines," HUMAN EVENTS, March 10, page 1], and I just want to let him know I watch him every day on Fox News and am so proud of him and the Marines he is with, and I pray for them every day.
I am a loyal fan of his Fox show. I've read his books, and have always admired him. Col. North is a hero in my eyes, and I will look forward to his reports on Fox and further reporting from Iraq in his published commentaries. He will be in my prayers every day and also all the Marines you are with.
God speed and may your angel be with you at all times. Thank you for supporting President Bush, we love him here in Texas.
Leftwing Anti-War Rhetoric Undermines National Unity
The question of whether or not we should go to war with Iraq is no longer relevant ["Axis of Evil Acts Up," HUMAN EVENTS, February 24, page 1].
We are now at war, and we need more than ever to stick together and show our support for our President, his cabinet and most of all the thousands of troops (our country men as well as our allies).
These are the men and women who are defending the rights which enable us to live the lifestyle of a free people bound by the rule of law.
One of these rights has been in the media spotlight a lot during these trying times...our freedom of speech. Time and time again throughout history we have learned that the bonds that unite our troops together is the strength behind their fight.
What kind of message do we send our enemies when people voice their disgust and opposition for the war?
Freedom of speech gives everyone the right to express their opinion, but simply because you have this right, it does not mean you need to execute this right.
What kind of message is being sent to our armed forces when they hear people saying, "We support you and the fact that this is your job which you must carry out, but we don't support the war which you are participating in."
Do words like these encourage troops and keep them unified? I think not. Every word, every action and everybody, should make sure that our nation is seen as a nation that is "One Nation Under God and Indivisible..."
The least we can do for our troops is to encourage them that they are fighting a fight which must be fought, and if someone doesn't agree and does not feel like saying something that they don't agree with, please don't do or say anything at all.
Pipes' Terrorism Column Registers With Readers
Your article ["Distorting the Grim Realities of Terrorism," HUMAN EVENTS, March 24, page 10] is very well written and explains clearly the hazards of a dying left that is struggling to survive.
Mr. Pipes' column last week was very good. The true Liberals will never open an ear or an eye, thus the mind will never see the light.
Clinton Legacy Bewildering
What a powerful article ["Derelict-in-Chief!," HUMAN EVENTS, March 24, page 14]. Now President Bush has the task to overcome all the damage Clinton left behind. President Bush will need four more years and a Republican majority in Congress to undo all the damage the Democrats inflicted on the American people.
Questions Columnist Over Internet Tax
I have high regard for the Cato Institute and the analysis that usually comes from that entity. However, the article on Internet and sales taxes by Veronique de Rugy ["State Bureaucrats Plot Higher Internet Taxes, HUMAN EVENTS, March 10, page 22] is not up to their usual standards.
Even though most of the article is about sales taxes, there are references to special taxes on Internet sales, probably leading many readers to be confused as to what tax is being discussed.
Also, it is stated that whichever tax is being discussed would "flagrantly violate the Constitution" yet no direct evidence of such violation is given.
Ms. Rugy suggests that sales tax is levied on businesses. In fact, the tax is levied on the purchaser but collected by businesses. As Ms. Rugy notes, most states that have sales tax also require residents to pay "use tax" on out-of-state purchases.
She states that such taxes are "so unpopular that they are seldom enforced." However, in fact, most people are unaware that such use taxes exist and, therefore, don't pay them. The state tax collection agency cannot remind the purchaser to pay the use tax since purchase takes place in another state and, by definition, is not reported to that agency.
I agree that many states, including Utah, want to tax Internet sales with special taxes in addition to sales taxes (which may or may not be legitimate [albeit, due to Quill v. North Dakota, illegal] to impose) and that needs to be opposed. But the issue needs better commentary.
Judicial Action Reflects Child-like Behavior
I recently read Mr. Jeffrey's article ["One Nation Under Whom?," HUMAN EVENTS, March 10, 2003, page 8], about Judge Goodwin ruling unconstitutional the saying of "under God," while repeating the Pledge of Allegiance by school children.
Being followed by a majority of his fellow judges in making the same ruling, brought to mind the image of children playing.
The leader makes an unusual statement; the children look at each other and not knowing enough about what he said to disagree, and not wanting to appear dumb, they agree. The leader has shown erudition.
What he said might not be true but he seems to know more than they, so he gains recognition. Judge Goodwin may have done this to be noticed. He may get a promotion.
Coulter Captures Democrats' Serenity
In regard to Ann Coulter's column, ["The Real Pea Is Under Democrats' Heads," HUMAN EVENTS, March 10, page 7] one of the things that makes the Democrats' concern with capturing Bin Laden difficult to take seriously is the idea that they would be capable of accomplishing it.
They could receive intelligence that the man is sipping espresso in a specified outdoor cafe and they would not move until every country from Andorra to Zanzibar gave the go-ahead.
By then, of course, he would have stretched, burped, and ambled back into hiding.
