Letters

Editor,

Much ado about nothing. That sums up the breast beating and hand wringing over North Korea’s nuclear test. I’m sure the Republicans secretly or not-so secretly rejoice in the event in that they can ratchet up the "fear and insecurity index” that they feel generally makes voters more disposed to vote for them when folks think that GOP tough talkers might be better at "protecting” them than those "negotiating appeasers” the Democrats.

First of all, that event wouldn’t have happened if the United States would have ever bothered to end the 63-year-old Korean War with a formal written commitment to respect the present borders. Not an unreasonable request after 63 years.

Second, the United States has consistently pulled the rug out from under the South Koreans who should be the sole authority in dealing with the Peninsula’s problems as it is after all their Peninsula. Declaring the existence of that ‘Axis of Evil’ was about as counterproductive a bit of non-diplomacy that I can imagine.

Thirdly, while the North Koreans did violate the Non-Proliferation Treaty with its test, we likewise have been in violation of this treaty as well. Namely article VI which stipulates that present nuclear nations must negotiate a reduction in their arsenals in good faith to ultimately eliminate them altogether. We presently possess thousands of these warheads which represent far more of a likely event of accident or theft or purposeful misuse (remember Dr. Strangelove)? Using the ‘China threat’ or worrying about the nonexistent Soviet Union just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Mike Caggiano

San Mateo

When fascism came

to the United States

Editor,

At some point in the not-too-distant future one of your grandchildren may ask you the following question: "I know that our present fascist form of government sort of grew upon us slowly; but when do you think was a critical time in the transformation?” Due to my great psychic powers, I can provide you with an answer right now. You can just say the following:

"Well, it started with the Patriot Act and then the secret warrantless spying on U.S. citizens. However, the real turning point came in the last days of September and early October of 2006, just before the midterm election congressional break. That’s when both houses of congress approved a so-called compromise bill between S 3931 and H.R. 5825 which ‘rubber-stamped’ warrantless domestic spying on phone calls and e-mails. Additionally, they passed legislation which changed the definitions of some torture tactics so that they could be called ‘legal.’ They also diluted the War Crimes Act, taking away the few checks left on the president’s power in this area of law, thus getting around the Geneva Conventions. Additionally, congress passed some further restrictions on federal habeas corpus proceedings.” (Information gathered from ACLU.org)

The only question remaining is, how will you answer your grandchild’s follow-up question which will be, "What did you do to try to stop it?”

Don Havis

San Mateo

Therefore — Darfur

Editor,

When the colonial powers of Europe left Africa, they left a very ugly, festering legacy behind. When they carved up Africa amongst themselves, they did so without any consideration for which ethnic groups properly belonged with whom.

Today, the local dictators who run the former colonies guard their "phony” borders with the same zeal as the former imperialists. If the borders of Africa were re-drawn to reflect language and culture, the map would be drastically different.

The giant nation of Sudan is only one example. It should be split in two. Northern Sudan is Arab-Muslim while the south is Black-Christian (a simplification of a more complex situation).

The Northerners have made slaves of the Southerners and are practicing genocide in the oil-rich Darfur province. What I find amazing is that American Christians (black as well as white) remain almost silent during this unfolding human catastrophe. I can remember how this subject may be embarrassing to some Black Muslims, but their voices would carry even more weight if they ever spoke up.

Could lack of geography education be to blame? If most young adults today cannot even find Africa on a globe (as one study alleged) how could they feel any compassion for any suffering there? However, just imagine for a moment that the million people being tormented in Darfur were Europeans. Our troops would have landed there long before going to Iraq.

Earl Hemming

Brisbane

Amphlett intersection is

easy place for accidents

Editor,

This letter regards the Interchange Study on Peninsula Avenue and Poplar Avenue. I hope it is done by people who travel this route frequently. I believe safety is the most important issue here. If you are on Poplar Avenue approaching Highway 101 heading south, you can count the near accidents appearing before you. People on Amphlett Boulevard pull out and are in the direct path of cars coming off Highway 101 at pretty good speeds. Why not close both sides of Amphlett from entering this dangerous zone. Not only would it decrease accidents, but it would save an enormous amount of money, and not displace homeowners, especially in Burlingame.

Shirley Colino

San Mateo