Supporters of President Bush and the invasion of Iraq have thirsted so long for good news that it is understandable that they hail the "surge" as a huge success and cite it as a reason we should make Sen. John McCain the next president.
However, it is doubtful that the surge has had anywhere near the impact of the work of the Awakening Councils.
Scott Norris, Baltimore
Slots wrong way to fund the state
I hope Maryland will have the good sense not to legalize slots ("To OC, slots present threat, opportunity," Aug. 17). I believe raising money in that way would be wrong and unhealthy for the citizens of this state.
I do not believe slots are a legitimate way to fund anything.
They set a bad example for the young people of this state and make it possible for those who have weaknesses for gambling to indulge that habit instead of providing for their families in the best way that they can.
I believe that we, as a people, can move our state forward in a much better way by rejecting this strategy for raising funds for our state.
Becky Dukes, Baltimore
Policy 'dead zones' block bay progress
It does not require a degree in marine biology, ecology or environmental science to see that the bay's primary dead zones are in the state's legislature, the morally bankrupt Maryland Home Builders Association and the emasculated Department of Natural Resources ("Climate report forecasts smaller, hotter Maryland," Aug. 3).
Our elected legislators pass knee-jerk laws that persecute watermen instead of making the hard decisions that would represent true progress in protecting the bay.
Then our legislators delegate responsibility for cleaning up the bay to scientists who confuse research with action.
Meanwhile, the Maryland Home Builders Association, citing jobs and the tax base, refuses to see the end result of its greedy behavior.
It is time to clean up the primary dead zones in our state and put an end to the masquerade of conservation associations, foundations and programs all claiming to be protectors of the bay.
Marc Castelli, Chestertown
The writer is a member of the Maryland Watermen's Association.
Liberal arrogance outrages the right
I was as surprised as Ron Smith was that The Sun added him to its list of columnists ("It's time for a different perspective on this page," Aug. 13).
