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Letters from our readers

The following is a selection of recent letters to the World Socialist Web Site.

On “US congressional hearings reveal consensus that Iraq war will continue”

Thanks for explaining the utter fraudulence and cynicism displayed in the congressional hearings of General Petraeus and Ryan Crocker. Not wishing to admit themselves as war criminals and bestial torturers of human beings, these rodents of their masters in the ruling class play word games whilst the slaughter continues. Beyond the horrible cruelty inflicted on innocent civilians, does the war have an effect on the US and world economy? Yes—it hurts the US economy greatly because it diverts billions into a wasted expense rather than where it is needed—for the creation of new jobs and the rebuilding of industry. The subprime mortgage turmoil and credit collapse are a result of the attack on working class incomes that has been going on for several decades. The continuance of the war only fuels greater economic distress in the future and is a major factor in bringing a depression. Nowhere in their lying garbage did our noble war criminals consider this. No, a depression is ok—in their view the working class is dead because of the police and military force, which will be able to crush a revolutionary upsurge if it occurs. So they think—but history has shown that cynical calculations such as these have come to a resounding defeat.

SH

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

12 September 2007

On “The affair of US Senator Craig: Media sensationalism and political hypocrisy”

This is an incisive and humane treatment of a squalid, sad and, as you say, diversionary episode of current US politics.

BP

Florence, Italy

2 September 2007

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Thanks for your excellent assessment of the Larry Craig incident and its ensuing media frenzy. It was, by far, the best piece on this matter that I’ve read. I wish it could somehow gain a wider audience. Thanks again.

DR

1 September 2007

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I agree with much of what you say, however, (1) Vitter was never convicted of a crime, charged with a crime or pled guilty to a crime in a court of law. Had Craig not pled guilty he would be in a situation much like Vitter’s; (2) had the Idaho Statesman been on a witch-hunt they would have published their information regarding Sen. Craig at a much earlier time. Contrarily, they sat on the story, which, had they published it, might have had the effect of saving Sen. Craig’s career. He would have been looking over his shoulder more closely had the public been informed; (3) nobody really wants to go to an airport bathroom where people are engaging in sex in the stall next door; (4) and most importantly, it is simply ludicrous to blame the Republican Party for “obliging” anyone to adopt their anti-homosexual policy in order to run for office on their ticket.

No one compelled Sen. Craig and told him to run for office by gay-bashing. If your lust for power leads you to preach one thing but live another, don’t blame Karl Rove or anyone else—that’s a personal decision. The double standard isn’t with the system or the public in this case; rather, the double standard is the one adopted by Sen. Craig who publicly condemned a lifestyle choice that he was privately pursuing. This situation may be the first step toward Craig’s self-honesty, and with that perhaps the social hypocrisy for which the Republican Party stands may begin to ameliorate (although I wouldn’t count on it).

JL

Greenwood , Indiana, USA

3 September 2007

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On “Bush rejects ‘bailout’ for homeowners, vows aid to Wall Street”

One of the aspects of this story that may be worth highlighting—it is certainly of interest to me—is the effect of the Bankruptcy Act passed last year by Congress. As I understand it, this act tightens up the law on personal bankruptcy in response to requests from the banks and credit card companies. My guess is that, had this act not been passed, many more Americans would have the—relatively—painless option of repudiating usurious debts. I recall that there was much criticism of, for example, Representative Harold Ford of Tennessee, and now of the Democratic Leadership Council, for his promotion of the law.

CH

1 September 2007

On “Wall Street hides impact of subprime mortgage metldown”

Apparently, financial firms funded by investors plan to sell their worthless assets to affiliated banks funded by federally insured depositors. If the banks fail, the loss will be absorbed by the federal government rather than private investors. I thought such related-party transactions were illegal, but obviously I haven’t been keeping up with the bold new innovations in high finance.

CR

4 September 2007

On “Diabetes in the US: a social epidemic”

As someone who spends working and off-hours devoted to diabetes care, prevention and the search for a cure, it is refreshing to read an article that explains the “hidden reasons” behind the disease. I was not previously aware of the insurers’ reluctance to reimburse preventative care; this information is disturbing since behavioral changes are key in managing diabetes.

JAB

11 September 2007

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