Letters to the Editor

Author: [no author name found]

To the Editor:

As the world listened to President Bush's idealistic and political redefinition of America's foreign policy in his speech to the National Endowment for Democracy last week, it seems we are forgetting a vital element for well-being: a healthy economy. Prosperity, history has shown, can also begin through economic change.

Take China. Its booming economy grew out of the market liberalization policies of a government that remains politically monolithic and ardently authoritarian. The Bush administration should concentrate on creating a stable, more liberal economy in Iraq. They need to replace the survival economy and black markets with a safe, controlled system where entrepreneurs can fearlessly initiate businesses. As the economy stabilizes, it should be liberalized into a free market economy.

It may not be in line with the democratic crusade Bush has propagated, nor with Iraqi conservativism, but in this post-ideological Cold War age where money is power, the Bush administration might try a different tack for success - economic success.



Joyce Man '06

International Studies Major

Hong Kong, China







To the Editor:

President Bush's refusal to acknowledge a recent incline in American casualties is both disrespectful and counterproductive. The Pentagon's ban on media coverage of the U.S. military mortuary in Dover, Del., coupled with Bush's silence, indicates governmental insecurity with the facts. I would much prefer our leader face the anguishing toll of his war - thereby affirming the precious cost of democracy - than watch the public be placated with patriotism.

At the very least, Bush's acknowledgment of our casualties would unite supporters and critics alike in the quest for an efficient exit plan from Iraq. Bush's directness is needed to remind the public of the danger tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers face, secure for them an appreciative homecoming and affirm the great memory of those sacrificed. He owes the dead at least that much.



Rachel Dunlap '06.5

English and Theater Major

Portland, Ore.

To the Editor:

How can Americans stand united on the war with Iraq when it is justified dishonestly? Bush gave us three main reasons for going to war: to combat terrorism, to eliminate weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and to promote democracy. The "combat terrorism" argument is rarely given anymore, as there was little or no evidence of Saddam being involved with 9/11. As for WMD, both Pakistan and North Korea have more active weapons than Iraq and have shown a willingness to use them. If Iraq had WMD, would they not have already attempted to employ them?

Then, the United States claims they will be in charge of setting up democracy in Iraq after its victory. Will this democracy be like those set up in Haiti, the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua, where our occupation has only laid the foundations for dictatorships? It seems to me that the argument for war would be much more compelling if there were some honest or justifiable reason given for it.



Danielle Barbeau '07

Undeclared

Woodstock, Conn.







To the Editor:

President Bush's rally for fresh troops in Iraq has become a concern not only to U.S. soldiers and their families, but also to the general civilian population that must foot the bill. The Senate has agreed to Bush's request for $87 billion to rehabilitate Iraq and Afghanistan, but questions over whether the U.S. military can truly transform Iraq persist. After all, what effective nation-building experience does the United States have?

Before signing off on billion-dollar tabs or sending thousands of additional soldiers, Bush needs to rethink whether military troops are adequate for the task. The real problem, after all, is changing the way people think, helping them overcome their fears and encouraging them to become involved in democratic institutions. Bush needs the help of veteran politicians and experts who can help bridge the cultural divide and communicate these ideas effectively. Only thus can America successfully establish a democratic government in Iraq.



Catherine Hu '06

International Studies Major

Ithaca, N.Y.