Issuing a call for justice, action over prisoner abuse

Issuing a call for justice,action over prisoner abuse
EDITOR:
As Sisters of the Humility of Mary who have made a commitment to nonviolence, we join with many other human rights groups and faith-based organizations in expressing our abhorrence and deep shame at the abuse perpetrated on Iraqi prisoners by some members of the U.S. military. Such atrocities are inexcusable and violate our common humanity. We see these abusive actions as symptomatic of a deeper, pervasive culture of violence, arrogance and utter disrespect for human life.
We urge our government, especially President Bush, to direct a thorough investigation of the abuses, to make public the outcome of the investigation, and to assure the prosecution of all personnel regardless of rank or office who knew of, encouraged or participated in any way in the atrocities. We also urge full compliance with the Geneva Conventions and full cooperation with the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, Amnesty International and the United Nations in protecting the rights of all prisoners. As a nation that purports to uphold human rights, surely this is the least we can do as Americans to mend the overwhelming damage and begin to heal at least some of the harm brought about by these abhorrent actions.
We pray that all people of good will can find in their hearts a call to pray and act in peace, trusting that every act of mercy mitigates injustice, every effort to resolve conflict through negotiation has the potential to bring about a world where all can live in dignity and share fully in the blessings of this world entrusted to our care. If we don't begin to act in peace, we will surely perish as a civilization as we destroy our planet and all of its inhabitants. If we do not begin to act peacefully, who will? If not now, when?
Ruthmary Powers, HM; Jeannette Abi-Nader, HM; Janet Burkhart, HM; Anne Victory, HM,and Susan Schorsten, HM.
The Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary
Villa Maria, Pa.
Real artists cry foul at giving Vizquel his own Butler show
EDITOR:
The ball game comes to the Butler Institute of American Art, but who gets the ball?
The politics of art, like the politics of anything in the world, amounts to political appointment for personal or museum/institutional gain and/or a popularity contest with little or no true interest in the actual art work, longevity or dedication of the true artist's struggles.
Strike one!
The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown has awarded a Cleveland Indians baseball player, Omar Vizquel, with a one-person fine art exhibition.
Is he a good artist? That remains to be seen. Has he exhibited in a museum arena previously? Is he worthy of the exhibit? Many questions with many open ended answers. Vizquel is undoubtedly an all-star shortstop. However, is he an all-star artist? This appears to be an all-star publicity stunt to gain popularity in an arena that draws in a noncultural crowd to adore not the art but the ballplayer.
Strike two!
It may be typical museum strategies to raise money and public appeal, but it is a sad comment on the cultural community. The lack of respect and fair play for the hard-working lifelong artists who have dedicated their lives to art and the struggles of being true artists are called foul, and Vizquel steals a base from the artists who wait in line for a chance to exhibit. Vizquel is not even American, yet he shows at The Butler Institute of American Art. Is he a good artist? Who cares? There are plenty of other good artists waiting in the dugout who will never get up to bat.
Strike three!
Who gets the ball? The superstar with the golden glove, of course. The artists get benched for a political appointment and an obvious attempt at fund raising. I wish I were a millionaire so this statement and my removal of support from the Butler could drive the point home.
You're out!
RODNEY J. DOUCE
Newton Falls