An Un-Christian Christian

I was saddened to read the letter written by Mr. Fink, referencing the “Anti-Christian Agenda” of the Weekly [Letters, April 29-May 5].

Mr. Fink is of the opinion that if the Weekly does not instantly print a letter that he has written, and has the gall to run an ad featuring H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, that suddenly your fine periodical is threatening Christians worldwide.

Since he practically shouts that he is such a Christian man, I believe that he should begin acting as one; with an open heart and compassion, even for those he disagrees with.

It will be a great day indeed when all of us, regardless of faith, can keep the spirit of compassion in our hearts, as Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha and, yes, even H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have taught.

J.M. Allison | Monterey

The Two-Party Oligarchy

Poor Squid, still nursing the belief that Republicans are supported by millionaires while Democrats are supported by “the people” [“Fish Out of Water,” April 29-May 5]. Maybe Squid is playing with words (like Kerry explaining his denial of owning an SUV by saying it was his wife’s car) and meaning that Democrats count only billionaires among their “people.” Individuals like Ron Burkle (supermarket king who flies Democrats around the country in his private jet while locking out union employees), Barbara Streisand (who destroys fragile ocean-front bluffs while suing anyone daring to record the destruction), or George Soros (who makes currency bets against this country anytime he can profit from it).

Sorry, Squid, but both parties are heavily populated with billionaires and millionaires, not to mention special interests. But with the candidates themselves both being millionaires (unless of course it’s his wife’s money) they would rather mingle with their kind.

John Magill | Oakland

Flip-Flopping the Flip-Flop

Republican-for-Bush advertising dollars continue to focus on Kerry’s flip-flopping on issues, when the truth is Kerry cannot hold a candle to Mr. Bush.

Ask Bush a question, you get a flip response. As to the success of his numerous official acts, the major ones turn out to be flops.

Mr. Bush has an unenviable record of reversing his position on dozens of national and international issues. He has cancelled US participation in treaty organizations; reneged on funding for social programs; opted out of safety programs.

But far and away, the most important flip-flop occurred during his candidacy for president, when he remarked to a crowd in Tennessee: “Let me tell you what else I’m worried about; I’m worried about an opponent who uses nation-building and the military in the same sentence.”

As a direct result of his rapid turnabout on this issue, we now have tens of thousands of war casualties, billions of dollars wasted, a nation’s infrastructure ravaged, loss of global respect, and the most ironic of all, a resurrection of hostilities in Iraq with insurgents who were absent from the scene prior to the US invasion.

Thanks to this Administration, we now find that foreign affairs and intelligence have been usurped by the Pentagon from the State Department.

Mr. Bush is not indecisive. It’s just that when the buck stops at the Oval Office, it’s already too late to undo the damage wrought by lack of wise counsel, consensus and democracy.

Bill Cox | Marina