If
Congressman Mike Rogers wants to keep his reputation as
an honorable man, he needs to watch the company he
keeps. He is part of a Republican Party whose most
visible political consultant, Karl Rove, assassinates
opponents’ characters (Ann Richardson, John McCain, John
Kerry, Joseph Wilson) instead of arguing facts. The
congressman has also accepted campaign rally visits
twice from Vice President Dick Cheney, who demonstrably
lied us into the Iraq fiasco and now is implicated in
leaking a CIA agent’s covert identity.
Now Rogers returns from Guantanamo with news that
“It’s not as bad as people say.” Well, what about all
the credible reports — FBI, Pentagon, International
Committee of the Red Cross — that refute that claim?
Rogers’ visit to this prison was orchestrated by people
who might conceivably be guilty of war crimes for the
conditions there. For Rogers to maintain his reputation
as honorable, he needs to address those glaring
inconsistencies and demonstrate that he has thoroughly
evaluated all evidence, not just that which he was
spoon-fed. He can best serve the citizens of this state
by maintaining his ability to decide things
independently of the Bush administration.
Scott Beckett
Jacksonville
AEA and NEA
Re “AEA posing threat” (Speak Out,
July 15)
In response to Norman Bishop of Panama City bashing
the AEA and NEA, I wonder how much in Alabama taxes Mr.
Bishop pays?
He sounds exactly like a true Republican, always in
another’s business. Well, this Republican administration
has this country billions of dollars in debt. One would
believe the writer’s energy might be better spent taking
his concerns to Washington rather than bashing Alabama’s
AEA.
Stop the GOP from cutting the dollars from education
and the VA. The Veterans came up $1 billion short; he
should be crying about that to his Florida
representatives and President Bush, who sends the troops
off to Iraq with no medical, or substandard treatment
when returned, many in body bags. Is this of no concern?
Jack Nipper
Glencoe
Bush’s choice
George Bush’s appointment of John
G. Roberts to the Supreme Court, replacing Sandra Day
O’Connor, is a continuing example of his dictatorial
reign. No condemnation of Roberts comes at this time
because it appears he is an outstanding person and legal
mind and he may well make an acceptable Supreme Court
Justice.
Still, the issue here is that he is a political
conservative who fits what George Bush wants, not what
the people want.
So, what is new? As with all dictators, Bush has
never listened to the voice of the people!
James L. Nix
Hartselle
Clueless ‘Carnac’
Re “Does war stop terror?”
(H.Brandt Ayers, July 24)
H. Brandt Ayers continues to prove that he’s our
small town “Amazing Carnac,” the master of hindsight. He
never fails to come up with the amazing “question.” If
only he would ever come up with even a clue as to an
answer.
Armond “Si” Simmons
Pell City
Guitar legend
Some people may or may not realize
how many wonderful and talented musicians have come out
of our local area. For those like me that love those
that can really play, it makes me proud.
We do have one gentleman in the area that has few, if
any, equals when he straps on his guitar. He is a giant
among men. His name is Tony Yardley and I am convinced
he is one of those the music industry let get away. Not
only can he play like a monster on steroids, he can also
play the gentlest and most tasteful finger-picking
melodies you will hear.
I have known Tony for quite a few years and remain in
awe of his talent. Even his jokes rock. So, for those
that may be lucky enough to run into him in your daily
travels, by all means shake his hand. And know in your
heart that you just came in contact with one of the
greatest guitar players most of the world will never
know. Keep on rockin’, Tony.
Eric Luna
Anniston
