Even worse, Russia is firmly allied with two of America's most dangerous Islamic radical enemies, Iran and Syria. If Russia manages to maintain de facto control of Georgia, it may not be long until Russia overruns Armenia or Azerbaijan.
If and when Russia does that, it will have a direct land link with Iran. Then it will be much easier for Russia to ship military supplies to Iran, including materials for nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons themselves.
America dallies in the face of these dangers at its extreme peril.
Every day we delay in attacking Iran and Syria with overwhelming military force and in liberating those nations from the tyrants who rule them is another day we risk future nuclear attack from those regimes.
Kurt A. Snavely, Hershey, Pa.
A peace dividend could fund roads
Letter writer Donald C. Fry writes, "Yet at the federal level, as in Maryland, no practical long-term funding answers are in place to raise the hundreds of billions of dollars needed to remedy" the shortage of funds available for transportation projects ("Finding the funds to unclog roads," Aug. 15).
The money is there, however, and all we have to do is end our current bogus wars on "terrorism" and spend those billions here at home on our needs.
Rather than fighting more wars abroad and building more roads, we need to convince the People's Republic of China to work with us to develop cars that work on alternative energy sources.
If we return to the peace economy that existed before Dec. 7, 1941, and turn our backs on the "War Century," the 21st century can be the "Peace Century."
That is the great challenge that awaits this and future generations of Americans.
Let's go for the gold.
Blaine Taylor, Towson
No humor found in death of pets
Laura Vozzella's smug tone regarding the many expressions of sympathy extended to Berwyn Heights Mayor Cheye Calvo over the killing of his two dogs trivializes the killing itself and belittles the kindheartedness of those writing to the mayor ("Pigtown gets some airtime," Aug. 15).
There's nothing funny about any of this incident. Most pet owners regard their pets as family members. Violence against pets is a surefire way for criminals, or police abusing their power, to ensure compliance by those they are seeking to control.
For the Calvos to witness the shooting deaths of their beloved dogs was akin to watching their children's murder. The effect of this trauma cannot be overestimated.
We should all be alarmed by the jackboot tactics of the police who raided the Calvos' home. And the earnest expressions of concern and sympathy sent to the Calvos should be applauded.
Kindness is always appropriate.
Sue Keller, Finksburg
