Newspaper Betrays Its Pro-War Bias

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I was disturbed by the way the newspaper covered a peaceful march protesting the fifth anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

A headline over the photo read, "Showing Only Their Beliefs," and the caption stated that protesters from RVA4Peace covered their faces during the march. The picture showed two people, faces covered in black hoods.

Putting the headline, caption, and picture together, it isn't difficult to come up with the erroneous idea that the protesters were ashamed of their beliefs or frightened to show themselves.

As one of more than 50 concerned citizens who first listened to a winter soldier speech at the Virginia War Memorial given by Toni Davy, a veteran of the initial bombing of Iraq, I can assure the paper's readers that we were all proud to be sharing our views with the public.

Since our first stop was

The Times-Dispatch offices on Franklin Street, it is difficult for me to understand how it wasn't conveyed to anyone who reads the newspaper that the five or six protesters (out of 50) with black hoods and orange jumpsuits represented the prisoners who have been tortured by various elements of the United States government -- torture that has been admitted to and that ignores the Geneva Convention signed by the United States.

Ironically, as the march was winding down in front of the federal courthouse, the newspaper was hosting a roundtable discussion on its political coverage, pushing the idea that The Times-Dispatch is unbiased. This in itself is amusing, but it's made even more so by the fact that the photo the paper chose to print showed the hooded protester's sign clearly. It read, "Media Lies, Americans Die, End the War!"

Christine Dorsey. Richmond.

It's Not 'Reform' Without Some Reform

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I noted with interest Paul Greenberg's colunmn on "constantly revising the Reform Jewish prayer book." He didn't do his homework. The new Reform prayer book is the first complete revision in 33 years!

By the way, the new prayer book has been out in a beta version for more than two years.

Greenberg also should note that the Reform Movement of Judiasm was formed, and continues, to change with the times -- that's the whole point of reform.

I'm truly disappointed that Greenberg saw fit to write an entire column on such an issue when it is not an issue at all.

Earl M. Ferguson. Richmond.

More Handouts Please, President Bush

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Please give President Bush my sincere thanks for guiding our country down the soon-to-be-trodden path of $4-a-gallon gasoline.

I would further ask the president to have the economic "stimulus check" that is coming in May be set up on a monthly basis. In order for the economy to remain "recovered," monthly checks will be required, I believe, unless of course, gasoline goes to $5 a gallon. Then Bush will have to increase the stimulus check dollars.

Thank you again, Mr. President.

B.J. Braughton. Richmond.

Pride Goeth Before Warming of the Globe

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I have been suffering from a severe anxiety attack all day, which was the result of another article in the paper concerning global warming. Now, it seems, Antarctica is continuing to disintegrate and is breaking apart in large chunks.

I am petrified because we are told by British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan "this is the result of global warming." I visualize him pointing a finger directly at me and screaming: "Bill Young, this is all your fault. You must stop polluting the atmosphere with your wood stove and riding lawn mower."

I will agree that the Earth is probably going through a warming phase. It has been known to do this in the past and will most likely do it again. However, I do not believe that it is in the power of anyone living on this Earth today to do anything whatsoever to affect the outcome of this phenomenon.

It is my opinion that this planet was created by the will of God, who as Creator has full and everlasting control over His creation. Since He has not delegated this control to us mere mortals, it must be assumed that He is still in command. It is the epitome of arrogance to assume that we possess the power to cause climate change for better or worse any more than we can control earthquakes, tornadoes, or other weather phenomena.

To all who may think that they are smart enough to do the work of God, I propose one small task for you to prove your ability: Make me an ant. Just a small ant, maybe only a quarter-inch in length, but it must be made from only the dust of the Earth and be a fully functional, living, breathing ant. When you can produce this simple creature, let me know and I will be more than happy to embrace "global warming."

William Marshall Young. Weems.

Kuwait, Saudis Forget The Debt They Owe

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

The United States entered Desert Storm/Desert Shield in order to liberate Kuwait of the occupying Iraqi forces. In addition, protection was given to Saudi Arabia because of the fear that the Iraqi forces would invade that country. In this endeavor, our military lost more than 382 lives, and more than 460 were wounded.

When the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, these same countries pledged assistance to repay our endeavors from the previous military encounters. In four years Kuwait has paid only $135 million (27 percent) of its pledged amount and Saudi Arabia a meager $87 million (17.4 percent).

The United States however, during 2007, paid $3.7 billion for crude oil to Kuwait and $33.8 billion to Saudi Arabia.

Somehow our allies have forgotten who saved them -- either that or our government has just forgotten to call in our chips.

Robert L. Vidrick. Mechanicsville.