Self-interest,not ideology,controls all
Nations pursue foreign policies that are based not upon love, admiration or respect for the particular political or economic structure of a fellow state. They do not plan their relationships on the basis of pity for a small state or sympathy for its plight. Self-interest is the key to policy decisions and regardless of the ideology of the government, there is only one question that is asked when a decision must be made as to foreign policy: "Is it good for us?"
Israeli leaders and Jewish leaders in the U.S. tremble before mere men today and place their trust in other men. They tremble before their so-called ally the U.S. and prostrate themselves even as they throw to the enemy parts of the land of Israel. They lift their eyes to Washington and from there expect Israel's salvation. They place their trust in political swindlers and diplomatic liars and in spineless politicians.
Do we really believe that the U.S., which places above all else its own self-interest, is he worthy repository of Israel's fate and trust? We, the people who survived a hellish exile for two millennia only because of our deep and unshaken faith?
There are no permanent allies for any nation, and for Zion and Judaism there will be no one who will stand by them at the moment of truth. All will demand the dismemberment of Zion in the name of "morality."
Israel has no allies, and the United States itself will cut its bonds to Israel as its interests dictate. In the end Zion and Judaism stand alone with the God who created them. It's time for the world and for Jews to realize and understand that Judaism and Zionism without allies will triumph.
The wrong war
No wonder we are losing the war on drugs and crime. We have citizens being gunned down in the streets in Baltimore city, while the Maryland State Police are spending tax dollars on laser guns to write traffic tickets.
What is it with Commander Click-it Ticket? He surely must realize that there are other functions of a policy agency. On any given day on Interstate 95 you can see at least six State Police cars hidden in the woods using radar.
If all this manpower were put to proper use, just think how safe our streets might be. I think it's time that our legislators review this agency and find out why all this manpower and high-tech equipment are being used to enforce traffic laws. Could it be that it is a good source of revenue and recognition for Commander Click-it Ticket?
What we need is police visibility in the high crime areas, not hidden in the bushes on the interstates.
Frank W. Soltis
Request from Ruxton
In a recent column, Arthur W. Machen Jr. suggests the Mass Transit Administration accepted with "glee" the Ruxton-Riderwood-Lake Roland Area Improvement Association's request to defer a light rail stop because we were looking to save money. While we are always looking to reduce cost, this was not the case with a proposed Ruxton stop.
Unlike subway stations which cost many millions of dollars, light rail stops are relatively inexpensive -- costing about $250,000 to 350,000. A Ruxton-area stop could have been (and still could be) accommodated without any changes to the existing budget for the project. The decision to hold off on a stop was solely to respond to the association's request of us.
Ronald J. Hartman
The writer is administrator of the Mass Transit Administration.
Person over party
I concur most heartily with recent letters advocating "voting for the person -- not the party." I don't always agree with various writers' choice of the best person.
I have been a Republican all my life -- more than 50 years -- and always said I would vote for a Democrat if that party ever offered the better candidate. Until now I never have.
But I have been watching Ted Sophocleus, his philosophy, his candor, his voting record for eight years now. I was impressed -- not always agreeing with him but most definitely always respecting him.
I got to know him personally and my original gut feelings were reinforced. He listens -- he thinks -- he acts according to his intelligence and his conscience.
Give up Kuwait
I think when President Bush decided on his own to send our troops to Saudi Arabia, he had no right to do so. Why should the U.S. always take the initiative in these situations?
We know Saddam Hussein will never give up Kuwait, and war will kill thousands of our men and women.
Doesn't Mr. Bush have sense enough to change his demand that Iraq will return Kuwait? Let's pray he will.