Reactions to abuse photos are alarmingly disturbing

Reactions to abuse photosare alarmingly disturbing
EDITOR:
With the coming to light of abuses by U.S. military forces against prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, I have noticed a very disturbing trend toward rationalization among the Iraq war's most ardent supporters.
Last week, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh declared that the abuses were no worse than a Skull and Bones initiation, and that the perpetrators were simply "blowing off steam" to relieve the pressures of being in a war zone. I would remind anyone inclined to agree that fraternity hazing rituals have been illegal in this country for some time. And I wonder if, were Limbaugh to find himself incarcerated because of his alleged doctor-shopping and money-laundering offenses of last year, he would be so understanding if he were to become an unfortunate victim of a sexual assault the likes of which plague the American prison system, and would he forgive the aggressor because he was simply "blowing off steam" brought on by the rigors of prison life?
Next, conservative columnist Cal Thomas proclaims in his Sunday column that the offenses are not that bad in context, basically because the fundamentalist Islamists would do (and have done) worse to us. Considering that Mr. Thomas frequently proclaims himself a Christian, he must believe that the Nazarene would approve as well -- that pesky "love your enemy" thing aside. Whether or not our enemies would do the same or worse is not the point, as they most certainly would. What IS the point is that we have lowered ourselves to their level, giving up the "moral high ground." And more importantly, we are made to look like the vengeful and harsh Crusaders they want us to look like. We have played into their hands.
Most disturbing, however, are the reactions of several of the accused soldiers and their families. They now proclaim that they "were just following orders." That's got a disturbingly familiar ring to it, doesn't it?
JIM ALLGREN
Austintown
Iraqis were humiliated,but Americans were killed
EDITOR:
There's a picture of two American bodies -- burned beyond recognition -- that were hung from a bridge in Falliyah by Iraqis, shown on TV, newspapers, magazines. These Americans are DEAD.
There are pictures of Iraqi prisoners being "humiliated" in Abu Ghraib prison-shown on TV, newspapers, magazines. These Iraqis are ALIVE.
Who apologizes to whom?
Where was the outrage for the manner of the American deaths? Where is Iraq's apology to America? War is hell!
ANN SWIKA
Youngstown
Girard seniors showed classby embracing visit by Kerry
EDITOR:
The behavior and attitude of the 70 Girard High School seniors from Mr. Naples' government class who attended the rally for Sen. John Kerry was so impressive, it deserves a moment of recognition. They listened, really listened, to every speaker and afterward asked intelligent, thoughtful questions.
At Franco's, where we ate lunch, the owner made a point of seeking out Mr. Naples to compliment them on their impeccable behavior. I particularly enjoyed our discussion on the bus ride home. They analyzed Kerry's message and discussed the security measures we observed that occur at an event such as this. Some of them began comparing Kerry's ideas with President Bush's ideas. (They will be well-informed voters -- an educator's dream!)
When we got off the bus, they were classy enough to thank us for taking them to the rally. This senior class is a special group. They represented the school district and the community of Girard so well. I was proud to be there with them.
CHRISTINE DAMIANO NOTARESCHI
Poland
XThe writer is a Girard teacher and president of the Girard Education Association.