Dear Editor:

I have seen this equipment used more as a weapon myself and can attest to the way it crushes human rights as well as buildings in the Middle East. The wall you mention as being built is actually very small when compared to the wall of hate that enables it to be built.

I am totally opposed to not only the sale of construction equipment for the purpose of destructive goals, I am also appalled by other U.S. Corporate sales that send military weapons of mass destruction (helicopters,,jets & tanks) to a government that uses them readily against a civilian population that is labeled “Terrorists”. You would fight back too if you saw your homes destroyed and your family killed. The American public and the Israeli public both suffer from the same thing……a government that tells them part of the truth, fabricates the rest and leaves the public totally without a clue as to what is going on. “Terrorism” has roots and unless those roots are fairly and honestly examined, what your left with is propaganda and a very bad foreign policy.

Caterpillar is not the only bad egg, there are others not the least of which is a spineless Congress who sells our principles down the drain too.

Peter Churchill

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Dear Editor,

I read the this IPS article and have the following comments based on my experience of 25 years in the UN.

In the year 2000, I had a such a whistle blower case at UN Headquarters New York against a D-2 for the violation of several UN staff rules, such as due process and lack of properly written instructions from him as well as political discrimination against staff from the USA in promotion processes at the P-5 level as well as unauthorized publications by the same D-2 against the foreign policy of the USA using his UN title in the signature on such articles.

I spoke with a representative of the UN Panel of Counsel who advised me to “tone down” my whistle blowing and the OHRM replied, instead of encouraging me to appeal or defend my whistle blowing, decided instead to give me as pay off called “Agreed Termination” which paid me approximately 18 months of salary for the 16 remaining months in my UN contract. It is now 5 years later and I am still very angry at the way the UN covered up its internal corruption by pay-offs to dedicated UN staff to shut up and get out. UNOHRM paid me and told me to”put the matter behind me”. I departed with much anger and wrote the US Senate Committee about the whole story and it followed up the matter. The UN really paid a terrible price in the US Senate for this corrupt action and the UN really deserved it.

In that regard, I especially liked the remarks in your article of Merrill Cassell, a former budget director for UNICEF who remains sceptical about the new rules “The UN is famous for punishing staff in other discreet ways-like preventing promotion, transfer to difficult duty stations and or finding excuses for early retirement”, Cassell told IPS.
…
I am grateful to IPS for this excellent article and hope my reply can shed some further light on the ways the UN has punished its dedicated staff who have presented whistle blowers cases against it in past years.

Sincerely yours,
William D. Angel
Vienna, Austria

*****

Dear Editor:

Very good article!
I was the ICTR spokesperson and chief of information when all the scandals broke out in Arusha. The UN Tribunal ruled in my favour after endless legal procedures but the ICTR still has not fully implemented the UNAT judgment, ten years after the event I still do not have a fair evlution report and the UN refuses to re-employ me!

Beatrice Lacoste

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Sirs: Well done! These people are on the right track in the search for ” a better way”, My hope is that you will continue to tell their story in your publications.
Sincerely,
Sidney S. Keith

*****
Dear Editor,

Two observations:
1) the % of indigenous persons in Mexico seems to decrease from year to year despite the Mexican government’s complaints that they are the fastest growing “section” of the population. While they were some years ago still 10% of the total population, now they would be only 10 million on the total of 107 million Mexican citizens. The website of the Central Intelligence Agency of the USA however mentions the percentage of 30% of the total population, which coincides with numbers given by indigenous organisations.
2) you seem not to be convinced by the EZLN’s claim that the major political parties are not genuine left parties. It is true that the EZLN believes that you are only genuine left if you are genuine anti-capitalist. As far as I know there is no big political party in Mexico that participates in the elections which defines itself as anti-capitalist or has important program issues which go against important capitalist postulations.
Do you believe that the EZLN’s definition of “genuine left” is too narrow?
Live one month the life of a landless peasant in Mexico and the scales will fall from your eyes!

Best wishes,
Johan Bosman
Policy Analyst
KWIA - Flemish Support Group for Indigenous Peoples, Antwerp

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Sir,

Your article misses out on one issue: Human inventiveness.

Predictions like yours — that hydrocarbon energy reserves run out and that the world is headed for suicide have been uttered by the Club of Rome and likewise since more than a century. In fact, energy like any other raw material has never been as abundant as it is today and the recent price hikes are nothing but a temporary hiccup.

Oil prices will come down again as they have done so often and there is nothing OPEC could do about it. The higher producing countries try to keep prices, the more they will push research into other forms of energy. This comes of course at some cost to developed societies but in the end it will leave us all better off than if the situation had never occurred in the first place. Those are not my words but those of Julian Lincoln Simon, a distinguished economist who unfortunately passed away some years ago.

The current situation looks dire, certainly, but just to those not able to think a bit further. As the Chinese use to say — in crisis lies opportunity.

The world in not headed for doom — contrary to it the future is bright and OPEC’s refusal to recognize this will make it brighter still. Never underestimate the power of intelligent, inventive, entrepreneurial humans for they are the only resource in terrible short supply.

Please note that this is a personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the policy nor the opinions of anyone else!

Rudolf Huber
Vienna, AUSTRIA

******

Dear Editor:

The world is swimming in oil. Every country that came out of the breakup of the old Soviet Union has discovered huge deposits of crude oil. The Earth itself makes oil and this fact is proven by deep drilling. You can take your fear of the world running out of oil and flush it!

Chip Garesche

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Gentle People,

Good article as far as it goes. The ‘intermestic’ nature of federal policy under Bush reveals a far more insidious transgression of presidential power than just garden variety imperialism. If all he wants to do is protect America his abandonment of New Orleans and attacks on the environment, social programs, and progressive income tax seem excessive. Excessive until placed in the context of an open-ended war against an undefined opponent that, according to Bush, demand unchecked authority because the world as we know it has changed forever. Osama Bin Laden and his decentralized and stateless horde of two or three thousand followers threaten the very existence of the US and Western civilization. This threat to our survival means the president must suspend the Constitution and ignore federal laws and manipulate the courts. Or, just maybe, we are witnessing the biggest and boldest grab for power and looting of the public’s future since the republic began.
He and his acolytes appear to be trying to reverse 100 years of US progress since Theodore Roosevelt stood up to big business. And worse, he and his followers believe that they are some sort of vanguard of the righteous who are entitled to impose their collective will on us and the world. And to think, it all started with a simple ‘vision’ of an American foreign policy distinguished by its humility.

V/R
John Pfeifler

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Dear Editor:

This story is full of myths and misinformation. Typical of the junkscience fueled propaganda from the David Suzuki Foundation.

If you measure sea ice thickness compared to the late 1930’s there is no net change. Polar Bears survived many warm periods in the past and they will survive this warm period.

Kyoto [Protocol] is a farce. If Kyoto participants can’t get anywhere close to meeting the initial targets, how do you expect to the world to reduce emissions by 80 to 90 percent (as your article states is required to make a difference)? Recent research from the International Council for Formation says meeting Kyoto’s goals could cost the EU from 1.5% to 4% of its GDP and kill over a million jobs. Get Real!!!

The money being wasted on this non-problem could be spent on much more worthy causes, such as providing clean water and sanitation to the whole planet. Let’s focus our resources and efforts on real problems where we can make a real difference.

Doug Cooper

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Dear Editor:

We, the hurricane victims, are definitely being put on the back burner by our government and the media. Pretty soon, the fire and the pilot light will go out. Then what? I, myself, being a tax-paying citizen for over 35 years, am apalled at the sluggish FEMA response. Sure, I am aware that there are huge amounts of people to be serviced by this organization, but I am also aware that there must be a million alternative ways in which our claims for assistance could be handled.
We are experiencing mental anguish on a daily basis because we just don’t know what will or won’t happen next. On a daily basis, there is some notable change with this FEMA organization. The representatives seem to know as much as we do; nothing. Are we being punished for our own local governments failures?
Immediately after Katrina, we were the main focus of every newspaper, news station, and the radio. Within the past month, we have been faded into the wallpaper. No one seems to want to write or report about the sluggish response that we are getting, or about all of the mental anguish we’re experiencing. I am not saying that all of our frustrations have to be broadcasted, but I feel that more attention should be drawn to the growing neglect of the hurricane victims.
How can you say that someone who lost their home, their personal properties, their loved ones, their job, their sense of independence, their dignity; how can you say there’re ineligible for assistance? If the federal government won’t help us, who will?
I’ve read various opinions from different people who feel we shouldn’ t expect the government to take care of us. As a majority, we don’t. All we need is a stepping stone to help enable us to walk proudly again. A large number of us can’t go home. We have no home to go to. We can’t rebuild in an area that seems to be targeted against it. We can’t purchase homes elsewhere without the funds to do so. We can’t plan our future because everything is “still pending”. Most of us have jobs to make end meet . There is so much red tape in aquiring temporary housing, and we don’t know from month to month where we’ll go next. Our children can’t become stable in a school system because we’re constantly being uprooted. Personally, I feel more displaced now than I did immediately after Katrina’s destruction. Our mayor says “Come home”. Why? We have no home at the moment, and it looks like we won’t have one in the near future.
I thank God everyday becuse my life and my immediate family’s lives were spared through this disaster. I just don’t understand how so much immediate aid can go out to other countries while so much suffering goes on here at home.
To my fellow Katrina evacuees, neighbors and friends; I pray for you and yours constantly. Please continue to do the same for me and mine. Also, pray along with me for our government, for ” THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO” .

Shanda Haynes

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Dear Editor,

Thanks for the intersting news about the Rohingyas, who have become de facto stateless in their ancestral homeland. Rohingyas need media support and proper advocacy for their genuine case and cause.

Please note that Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) is a broad-based organisation that emerged in November 1998, out of the merger of then existing all Rohingya Organisations. It is not a separatist organisation. Its objective is to achieve the right of self-determination of the Rohingya people, within the Burmese federation, on par with other ethnic nationalities of the Union of Burma.

Thanking you once again for your support.

Sincerely,
Nurul Islam
President, ARNO
London

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Dear Sir,

It is an inexcusable act of colonialism that the U.S.A., Britain, Australia and New Zealand oppose parts of this declaration. I am English by birth, have many indigenous nation friends in the Americas. They are the proud carriers of their national identity, which I respect. We are in an age where forgiveness and atonement for wrongs is important if we are to place any value on both unity and diversity as a global community. The British government with it is claimed, the Mother of Parliaments should lead with wisdom to give democratic freedom of determination to the many indigenous nations who suffered in the past through acts of colonialism

Mikhail F Baker

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Dear Editor,

This is very good news to the heart. As a media studies student based in the U.S. I have always looked forward to this time. I hope there will provision for communication plans that can sell the idea in the various countries. We should not allow the conspiracy theory that shaped the failure of the last attempt to come up again.

As you work on the level of policy do not forget to include packaging into the mix. I believe there is strengthen in numbers and once the political economy is gotten right maybe the tune for our song this time will be different.

In short let us not take anything for granted. I trust that the journalism end (content) is being taken care of, so too should be the marketing and the little pennies that can come from selling information to citizens who need such cross-regional information. Need I say more?

Kole Ade Odutola
Media Studies, Rutgers University
New Jersey, USA

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Dear Madam/Sir:

I am Habib, EHS manager in Cadbury Pakistan and resident of a village in Balochistan near the Afghan border, where lots of wind blows and the suns rays are merciless in summer, but all this goes unharnessed, due to lack of interest and political will among the ruling class.
I read your article on wind farms in the Ghulam Muhammad Goth with interest, and do appreciate the efforts put in by the authorities, but the way they plan to run the mills in future clearly show that the project is doomed.
I just quote from the article, the language used by the authorities about the maintenance plan of this project:

“We have told them that they have to maintain the batteries” and “We have asked the villagers to form committees”

This clearly demonstrates that the cart is being put before the horse, and not understanding the culture in our rural areas, they just wish that this would happen.
Just because the authorities have spent money for the uplift of the village, doesn’t mean that they have given them enough motivation, team spirit, commitment, and knowhow to run the farm by themselves in future. This requires a complete cultural change.

The tubewells put in by the government along the border of Afghanistan in the Chagai district are a glaring example of failure of such projects, as the villagers are not yet at that level of advancement to run the machines and maintain them on community help basis, not to mention that the villagers in that part of the country are much more prosperous than those of Gul Muhammad Goth, as they do business across the border.
They have money but they still can’t maintain the electric system.
Just by putting in machines doesn’t guarantee the success of such projects. Please let me quote again and not being sarcastic, “We have told the villagers that they have to maintain this farm”
I can call it this joke of the day for me.
Best regards
Habib

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Dear Editor:

Would that we the people could summarily dismiss all the b——s in Washington who incessantly insult our intelligence with their childlike excuses for continuing to murder Iraqis.

Frank Burger

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Dear Editor:

This piece was quite good. I did not know about the Japanese resolution… I think the points made in the piece were even-handed and not what I see that often in the Indian press. I look forward to reading more.

Sincerely,

Henry Sokolski
Executive Director
The Nonproliferation Policy Education Center
www.npec-web.org

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Dear Editor:

You mention that Mexico considers U.S. immigration policy to be shameful. But you failed to note that Mexico has positioned its own military units on Mexico’s southern border to stop illegal immigration into Mexico from other Latin American countries. Why is that OK?

You also portray the people who die while trying to illegally immigrate to the United States as “victims”. They are actually criminals, breaking U.S. law. Moreover, they are being encouraged to break the law by their own governments.

Legal immigration to the United State is not an easy process. But breaking the law to get into this country is just plain wrong. Illegal immigrants get free health care and schooling, while American citizens are forced to bear the costs for these services. We are also forced to bear the costs associated with increased criminal activity in areas that have large populations of illegal immigrants.

Frankly, the countries south of the United States that are encouraging this type of activity by their own citizens are no friends of the United States. Many American’s would support the placement of U.S. troops along the southern border to stop all illegal crossings, using force if necessary.

Sincerely,

JE Malmberg

*****

Dear Editor:

I do indeed appreciate the article and direction given. I just wish that, when entering your observation on the illegal immigrants “voracious” contribution to our economy (agriculture, construction and services), and the money they send to their countries, you would have entered into the view, text what I feel would have given an even broader account on the problematic: that is, the illegal immigrant’s contribution to our Tax System. Perhaps such complex issue alone requires a dedicated spot to write about, and also realize that was not the core of your writing.

I venture to say that the greater majority of illegal immigrants do certainly contribute to the “Tax System” to the point of at least covering their social functional family needs, (Education, etc), and may not necessarily be a burden to the State - as a lot of conservatives claim. They contribute by legally and officially registering with IRS, obtaining an Interim Tax Identification Number (ITIN) that allows them to search for work, thus pay taxes. This issue is not as clean or clear as I am sure you know, or it might seem. For instance - a vast majority - do not even file for Tax refunds, (The Feds keep the money) and many are part of a much less formal labor pool/economy. (cash for work, thus not paying taxes, but with a benefit to the employeer as well). Again, not an easy statistic to play with.

Look forward to reading on the issue.

Ed Elinan
Washington, DC

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Dear Editors,

The fact that President Bush cites Mr. Gonazales and his side kick, Harriet the Amiable-but Ignorant (Miers), as his authorities on presidential authority should say something. Alberto and George have demonstrated the uncanny knack of being absolutely impervious to higher education. Anyone with a halfway good brain can read the Federalist papers, Jefferson’s writings and the Constitution to determine that torture is unconstitutional, so is spying on our own citizens and ANY POWER NOT SPECIFICALLY GRANTED TO THE EXECUTIVE NOR THE OTHER TWO BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT IS RESERVED FOR THE PEOPLE…ALL POWERS DERIVE FROM THE PERMISSION OF THE GOVERNED…not the President.. Speaking for my friends among the people, I can truly say that Dubya will get my permission to do anything when they pry it from my cold stiff fingers.

Disgusted in Texas
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Dear Editor:

I know it sounds radical and politically incorrect in this day and age, but I think it is time for the United States and the Western style economies to think of a UN alternative. The UN is dominated by antagonistic third world nations that have no intention of working with America.

It is time to set up a rival and more constructive organization that utilizes exclusivity.

Yes, I realize it would initially polarize world politics but that is in effect anyway.

Possibly a little polarization backed up by the might of power might push the war on terrorism into a more positive and successful mode.

John Houk

United States
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Dear Editor:

What a breath of fresh air. Will we finally see some pragmatic sense in how the drugs issue is handled? I hope so. The so called “hawks” from Congress have shown us how stupid they are for about 30 years now. Evo has my support.

D. Keston

Dear Sir, Madam,

It seems that it is not Mr. Morales, Mr.Chavez or Mr. Castro who are the problem here but the American administration, past as well as present.

G.W. Bush & his administration, have caused much suffering around the world with its military solutions which are very short sighted. This is the thinking of myself and many people I talk to in and around London.

The Cantania report, presented to the EU on December 4, 2004 states that Prohibition is causing more suffering than drugs themselves. Why do we not here about this and other reports? We need an end to Prohibition, is the way many of us feel.

REFORM
Drug Policy Interest Group
Dagenham
Essex. U.K
‘For Just & Effective Drug Policies’

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Dear Editor:

Your article had a link to Vietnam Veterans Against the War. I know a couple of members of this group, but it was through Veterans For Peace (http://www.veteransforpeace.org ) that we arranged this event in Seattle. I hope you will provide a link to this great organization too.

THANK YOU for publishing this article!

Cliff Wells
Member: Veterans For Peace chapter 92 in Western Washington
Veteran: USMC Post Vietnam, Pre-Reagan

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your article on Agent Orange Victims. I personally believe that those who authorize the use of chemical warfare and those who manufacture these products should be held responsible for the resulting damage.
I would appreciate a news story on the use of chemicals, heavy metals, and biowarfare methods that are used in chemtrail spraying that is taking place in the U.S. and worldwide.
I have become extremely ill due to what is included in the chemtrails. The U.S. government is using biowarfare on the citizens of the U.S. and other countries.
It is time that the media address the issue of chemtrails. I am presently spending hundreds of dollars each month purchasing products that are used to remove heavy metals from my body and to build up my immune system. Chemtrail spraying takes place on a daily basis over U.S. cities and is causing health problems for thousands - and likely millions of people…

Again, thank you for your article on Agent Orange.

Regards,
Jane Birkenstock

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Dear Editor:

I have seen that the whole world is concerned about the massacres which have taken place on last few months in Ethiopia. And some democratic and peace-loving countries started to ask rule of law and basic human rights should be respected.
It is well clear that Ethiopia’s annual budget is based on international donors, money which came from World Bank and Africa’s Development Bank.
Some gov’ts are blocking their assistance, unless an international inquiry has taken place they are not going to release the money they suggested for Ethiopia.
This is one step ahead to bring the government of Ethiopia to revise his actions on his own people…

Z. Woldeyes

Dear Stefania,

I read your article on Ethiopia. I very much thank you for lending your voice for the muted people of Ethiopia. You telling the truth for the world is so heartwarming and a sign of hope for an otherwise distressed and neglected people.
My people are suffering beyond words can tell. Mothers, fathers , children and young men are being brutally violated by our own homegrown fascist dictators. Many people claim that this was even worse than the cruelty exhibited during “the red terror� campaign of the Derg Era. Ethiopians are living in perpetual agony and insecurity. Throughout the country there is a constant fear of persecution, torture, and forced entry by government forces.
However, the U.S. Government and [British] PM Tony Blair, champions of democracy and human rights, who are paying in blood and sweat to promote these values chose to ignore Ethiopians who are paying their own blood and sweat to uphold these values. Not only they chose to ignore us but did not refrain from aggravating it. The harshest words that came out from these leaders of the civilized world were “ we condemn violence. Both sides should refrain from any act of violence�.
By saying so they effectively drew a moral equivalence between a stone throwing protestors, a seven year old kid seeking refuge, a frantic wife crying to save her husband, a mother of 10 children pleading to save one of her teenage sons in one hand and an extremely armed savage force on the other hand.
May be I should say if Western diplomacy has a heart of its own it is only by mistake. It only has senses that detect and pursue self interest at any cost.
Again we won’t give up to tyranny. People who speak the truth like you are by our side. Keep telling the world; Ethiopians too deserve democracy and humanity!

Sincerely, Yohannes S.

Dear Editor,

I am an Ethiopian deeply worried about the never-improving political situation in my country since my childhood. It is with great dismay that I follow-up the news from the Western media. They polish ‘hypocrisy as
democracy in Ethiopia.’ They are short of superlatives to boost the ever-hated dictator and modern African Nazi - Legesse (Meles) Zenawi.

Let me put my words straight - since my childhood I have never seen a democratic government in Ethiopia, which respects human rights and the rule of law. I am the citizen of Ethiopia. No one among the foreign powers or their biased media can convince me otherwise as I am one of the millions of Ethiopians suffering under tyranny.

Last May 15: Myself and other 25 million citizens of Ethiopia queued up for more than twelve hours to cast our votes; to elect our leaders. We know who we cast our ballots. It is not the EPRDF that we chose. Do not try to fool us in broad daylight. Our leaders are either in jail or silenced not to oppose.

So you people in the West, who claim to be champions of democracy, etcetera, you better look into your inner self and your principles. As for Ethiopians, the West should not be surprised if they become world-class terrorists, because you, the West, denied them their birth right - to live in freedom.

Y. Getahun

Dear Editor,

Even though it is quite late, the resolution of the EU Parliamentarians is a sound measure in response to the repressive and non-democratic governance of the ruling party (EPRDF). Mr. Meles Zenawi is decieving the international community in pretext of democracy. Zenawi’s government is not commited for democracy. The international community should better understand the decieving nature of some African leaders, like Zenawi, who are talking too much about democracy to win the support of the West, but in practice killing, torturing people without justice.

All the points on the resolution should be put into practice so that the life poeple jailed in different parts of the country may be saved, if and only if they are pressed on Zenawi as soon as possible.

A. Desalegn
London

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Sirs,

From what I hear and read, it appears that Alberto Fujimori would easily win the Peruvian elections if he were a candidate.

He apparently enjoys great popularity as a result of overcoming the Sendero Luminoso and creating law and order in the country as well as economic prosperity and personal freedom.

These factors have deteriorated since Fujimori was ousted from power by the usual left-wing movements.

I hope Fujimori will come back, spread peace again across the country and influence other parts of South America.

P. Seilern
UK

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Dear Editor:

This article would have been far more effective if it were balanced. Berkowitz already had fascinating content, but his glaring personal bias made of the article an amateurish rant.

Berkowitz has done some very good background for whichever properly trained journalist chooses to pick up the thread.

Byron Tols

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Mr. Berkowitz,

Thank you very, very much for FINALLY standing up and writing about the Bush-Moon connection. Please continue following Moon totalitarian cult leader and the Bush family connection…here are a few leads you might want to investigate.

1. That Neil Bush is actually scouting land and mineral deals in eastern Russia; his cohorts are looking to buy up all the land and mineral rights for future prospecting.

2. That Rev. Moon is on tour trying to get $$ to back his “Tunnel of Peace” … which is supposed to run under the ocean from Alaska to Russia. (After all, Moon believes that the Caucasian race descended from polar bears!) It is supposed to be a “gift” or monument to his greatness.

3. Rev Moon wants a pardon when Bush leaves office. Officially, he is still not allowed in this country stemming back to his criminal activities/embezzlement back in the 80’s (or late 70’s).

4. The Family Day legislation is actually a Moon product that makes he and his wife, “Mother and Father” of America. There are legislators that are Moonies and I would think they need to be exposed…

Please, don’t let this fall through the cracks as an “exotic” sidebar. Moon is serious about world domination and using the Bush family to meet his goals. Moon is old and will die soon, that’s true, however the facts bear out that large cults stay active after their leaders’ death… it all ties in, so please, don’t let this issue fade away under the “kook-factor-file”.

Terry Kurtz, Cult Counselor, M.A., P.C.

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Dear Sir/Madam:

We as a family have put a holiday to South Africa on hold until a decision has been made regarding the elephants in Kruger, if the murder goes ahead we will not travel to SA as we feel we could not patronise a country that would allow this vile massacre. So much scientific talk but nothing on morals and ethics.
We travel to see the animals as they are the greatest draw in Africa and we know other tourists will boycott SA in protest.

Yours sincerely,
Trudi Humphry-Rankin
UK

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Dear Editor:

What is needed in Brazil is what happened in America and that is a revolution of some sort…whatever type comes it’s needed and needed badly. I keep hearing from whites there that there is no racism in Brazil but from what I’ve seen and know, something is going to happen and it will not be pretty. It’s the same situation we had here in America when whites tried to convince the people in other parts of the world that all were free and equal but we showed the world it wasn’t so. Things are not great here but better than I’ve seen in Brazil. The one thing I will say about the U.S. is that they did see most of the writing on the wall and tried to do something before it came far worse than it could have been. Blacks in America are far better off today than they were before but we still have a long way still to go. I think that when blacks in Brazil do decide to make that move it will not but a bloody one but knowing what I’ve seen of Latin America and other places similar, I doubt it will happen in that way for it will be a point of no return for the whites and blacks as well…

CAPT. AJB

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Dear Editor:

Thanks great article …and the timing is perfect. The Iraq War is in flux as this piece came out. I have a much more complete insight into what is happening due to Mr. Porter’s efforts.

D. Garden

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Dear Editor:

It’s amazing how Christmas scares [Bill] Berkowitz more than the attempts to stifle its celebration. Conservatives could never master the art of whining as effectively as Berkowitz. When celebrating the King of Peace at Christmas becomes an offense to people like Berkowitz, we need no further evidence of what drives him.

Merry Christmas,
Preston Ritchie

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Dear Editor:

The military has a major problem with its medical departments. In the smaller MEDDAC’s it is essentially anything goes. Doctors do not have to be board certified as in the civilian sector. The auxiliary medical personnel do not have to be certified. Some military doctors have private practices and conduct business for these practices during the working day… It is all about money, they do not care about the patients or the military. Current and former Commands of Moncrief Army Community Hospital are aware. Moncrief is on Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. It is the largest basic training unit on the East Coast. The Commands have looked the other way. When folks complain to the IG [Inspector General], etc about the patient care and safety issues, then it is turned about on the ones (or suspected ones) who report this. They are harassed, they are moved out of the area and in general undue hardships are placed on the workers until they quit or retire.
I have been told that each hospital commander has the option of deciding on “what’s best” even though it may run contrary to quality patient care and would not be tolerated in the civilian sector healthcare. It appears issues are covered up by the military medical IGs. What avenues exist, if any, that will listen and affect a change in military health care are the MEDDACs? DoD IG?
(name withheld)

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Dear Editor:

Unfortunately there is no money to be made in addressing the issues raised in The Slave Next Door.
The imperative of production is to keep incrementally increasing the volume of output to remain solvent rather than produce to cater for the needs and wellbeing of the people who economic systems should be designed to exist for.
Until the driver behind the ’slave’ trade is recognised and addressed the situation will continue. That driver is the 300-year-old interest-bearing foundation that underpins the economies of virtually every country in the world. Essential infrastructure, which provides the cornerstone for viable, secure, progressive and peaceful societies, should be provided through the democratic process using a funding process based on interest-free credit creation.
That is the only way the past 50 years of shortfalls in education, health, social justice and public good service provision will be resolved.
The history of the past 50 years is one of repeated failure to provide long-term solutions to the economic issues. That is because politicians and their fellow travellers refuse to admit, recognise or acknowledge that they are not addressing the key problem of interest bearing-debt underpinning the infrastructural problems.

regards,
Trevor Crosbie
New Zealand

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Dear IPS News,

Thanks for keeping the information and possibly the truth flowing.

Particularly disturbing is your article The Torture Policy Blowback [by William Fisher], and the “cold cell”, in which prisoners are held naked in low temperatures and doused with cold water.”

Is this not one of the methods Josef Mengele used in his “experiments” on prisoners during the Nazi years? Yet the medical community has a strict prohibition on using any results of those monstrous acts… Has America taken a page from the Third Reich? And how much scarier is it going to get? When Bush initially started his illegal war in Iraq, there were news photos depicting posters in downtown Berlin which featured photos of Hitler and Bush, side by side, and a caption that read “Same Sh–, Different Year”. I thought it a bit extreme at the time, but I’ve since changed my opinion.

Sincerely,
Barbara Jordan
Toronto, Canada

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Dear Editor:

If the G77 is a thorn in the side of the United States at the UN, I wonder how the G110 in the WTO will fare?

J. Singh

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