Sherry Allen – 9/2/08

This page was last updated on September 3, 2008.

Time for all Americans to unite; Sherry Allen; Beaver County Times; September 2, 2008.

Ms. Allen wrote three previous letters I didn’t critique. One (“Conserving water for future,” 1/13/08) asked us to conserve water (primarily by not eating meat) and another (“Say ‘no’ to push polling,” 2/10/08) complained about alleged telephone “push polls” by Republicans, and the third was (“Plant a garden to offset oil usage,” 8/1/08). In one letter I did critique, Ms. Allen gushed about a book she found “that has hundreds of ideas on how to save our planet.”

Below is a detailed critique of the letter.

“Last month, a local 92-year-old World War II veteran said: ‘The only way our country is going to survive is if we get our military out of these wars.’ Coincidently, several of my family members, who also served our country, agree.”

[RWC] Yeah, that really is an unexpected coincidence. <g>

“November’s decision is important. And many of us are holding our breaths, because we know it’s only the beginning. Hopefully, more people will vote than those who did during the primary.

“Our military’s doing its job, and our votes could make our ‘We Support Our Troops’ banners meaningful.

“Yesterday, an Iraq War veteran, who is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, joined thousands who were asking authorities of the Democratic National Convention to read a statement. He said: ‘Many who are serving in Iraq are against this war. Bring them home now.’”

[RWC] So this guy wants only those who oppose the war brought home? I want all our armed forces brought home, when their mission is complete.

“A paralyzed Vietnam War veteran asked: ‘Why isn’t the Democratic Party listening to our men?’

“Einstein said: ‘Any fool can make things bigger, more complex and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.’

“Most of us agree that a hammer isn’t an effective tool when dealing with a screw. Through our votes, let’s persuade our president, congressmen and senators that their war mentality ends now.”

[RWC] What is a “war mentality?”

“During this election, let’s teach our children that labels, hate and fear of those who don’t think like us are unacceptable forms of violence.”

[RWC] You should know Ms. Allen considers referring to someone as a liberal as “labeling and name calling, which are forms of verbal abuse.” Apparently, though, saying someone has a “war mentality” isn’t “labeling and name calling.”

“Let’s endeavor to walk together peacefully.”

[RWC] Is it just me, or does much of this letter seem like a bunch of unrelated sentences?