Israel’s attack on Gaza goes beyond self defense

Israel’s attack on Gaza goes beyond self defense

EDITOR:

Although precise figures are difficult to obtain because western journalists have been denied access to Gaza, it appears that over 900 Palestinians, perhaps a third of those women and children, have been killed since Israel launched its offensive while 13 Israelis have been killed during the same period. Of course, that’s the number now. Who knows what horrors tomorrow will bring?

The rocket firing thugs of Hamas must be stopped. That is a given as anyone could easily imagine. What if you lived in the Youngstown area and rockets fired from Warren or Howland landed all over town, occasionally killing someone? Who would want to live with that kind of constant stress?

Of course the stress is not one sided. Who would want to live in basically a huge, open air prison? Who would want chronic food and medicine shortages and the decades-long toll of being a prisoner living a life of poverty with little hope for the future?

Israel is in very real danger of winning the battle but losing the war. No one can deny the nation of Israel’s right to self defense against the rockets of Gaza. In the end though, the overwhelming military response with massive Palestinian civilian casualties has gone beyond self defense and can only lead to more recruits for Hamas and the forces of terror and violence. It’s hard to see how that will strengthen Israel’s long term security.

BILL ADAMS

Austintown

The antics of Tom and Cal

EDITOR:

All hail the clarion call from Thomas Sowell predicting a spending spree from Democrats. This is from a conservative soothsayer who tried to rally America’s populi to support Republicans who created an illegal war, a national debt whose numbers are unfathomable, and a budget deficit expected to reach $1.2 billion. Tom’s perception of reality is laughable, if not pathetic!

Then, Calamitous Cal Thomas advises us that the Crawford Cowpoke is optimistic about the Mideast. I hope both Cal and Dubya were talking about New York and New Jersey. Closing his article regarding the “doctrine of pre-emption” must be Cal’s way of forgiving Dubya for creating the current Armageddon in the Middle East.

Cal further advises us that Dubya will be writing a book. I wonder if it will be entitled “Mea Culpa.”

JOHN ZORDICH

Youngstown

Superintendents take note

EDITOR:

I am disappointed that the superintendents of the majority of the Mahoning County schools did not close schools Thursday. The morning temperature hovered around zero, with negative numbers given the wind chill.

I would like to suggest that in making the decision to close school or not, the superintendents walk in the shoes of their students. Walk to the nearest school, or go to the bus stop and wait for 210 or 15 minutes as the children have to do. Often busses run late in weather like this because of road conditions.

The safety and welfare of our school children should be our first priority.

SHERYL ECKERT

Youngstown