Letters to the Editor
prabhata
Published Letters: 26
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A sad little story about detainee abuse
[Read the article: A sad little story about detainee abuse]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The story seems to imply that because there is no trail as who specifically abused the detainee, there is no one to find at fault in the affair. Isn't Mr. Gotti responsible for the acts of his goons? We know the names of the head and commanders of the organization who committed the abuse.
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Democrats won't filibuster Alito, but why not?
[Read the article: Democrats won't filibuster Alito, but why not?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What is the point of having a tool that cannot be used for fear of losing it? If Democrats are scared of the nuclear option, they should not be. A good leader handles each battle as it comes. If the rule of filibuster is being attacked, then be prepared to defend the rule. I don't believe that the Republicans are willing to remove that rule. In any case, better to have a good loss, than not to fight.
I encourage each reader to make a phone call (emails do not work because senators don't give them weight) and ask for a "NO" vote on the confirmation of Alito and to use the filibuster if that is what it takes to stop his confirmation.
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Family mistreats dad
[Read the article: My family treats my dad like dirt]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]My heart goes to all who are suffering in the family. I'm not a psychologist, but I had a psych teacher who taught me a few good lessons.
Whatever dysfunction happened due to the drinking, is in the past, and each family member needs to take a few minutes and see the other family members as they are today instead of how we saw them in the past. Whatever judgments there are about the drunk, needs to be dropped and see the man for who he is right now.
I suspect that the father accepts that the family members don't respect him, but in his heart he also knows that he is loved. He may also find safety in believing that someone else is in control. For that illussory feeling of safety, he is willing to pay a price.
To the writer, I say look at each family member and have compassion for the unhappiness. Understand that they see your father with old jugements. They see him as a weak irresponsible person. What will change that view? You can make a list of all the wonderful attributes of you father and remind other family members of those attributes.
Also remember that your mother may be controlling, but that may be a situation that was forced on her. She is used to that role, and she may be angry about it, but she does not know how to let go. It's a habit that repeats itself, especially when the whole family gets together. The illusion that she is in control is supported by everyone. Who will say to her: I am an adult and you have not controlled my life for a long time now.
Families are like plays in the theater. Each family member believes the role he/she plays. If you change, your role will change, and others will have to adjust. The play also changes. Simple to understand, but difficult to realize (make real).
I wish all patience and love.
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Oprah saves her skin
[Read the article: Oprah's revenge]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]It's unacceptable to fault someone to save one's face. That's what Oprah did. She needed only to apologize and take responsibility for her poor judgment, but instead she denigrated her apology.
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She doesn't know if she wants to be in the theater
[Read the article: Should I give up on having a life in the theater?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What an interesting life. It seems to me that instead of looking at the past with regret, there is lots of room to enjoy the memories and the feeling of knowing about a subject few know from the inside. That in itself is success.
It shows that I don't know anything about actors, but it would seem that being part of a guild should not in any way change whether she goes back into acting. Also why not practice the art in small community theaters? That can be more fun than dreaming to do as a career.
I'm of the opinion that actions tell more about the truth of what one wants than what the mind says. Lack of money never stops anyone of doing what one wants. Look at your actions to get a clue of what you wanted all the time.
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Feinstein flips
[Read the article: Feinstein: I'll back the filibuster after all]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Thank God Senator Feinstein flipped. I'm grateful that she voted against Roberts, will vote against Alito and now will vote against cloture.
Feinstein and Lieberman are two peas in a pod. Feinstein is on the wrong side of most progressive issues. She sells herself as a centrist, but in reality she is the senator for the corporate lobby. Unless another Democrat takes away her nomination in June, I will keep my vote in November 2006.
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Lieberman's supporters whine
[Read the article: Lamont surges, Lieberman fades in primary poll]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]It's interesting that Lieberman supporters blame the "far left bloggers" and Dean for the trouble the senator from CT finds himself in.
Yeah, bury your head in the sand and continue to believe that nonsense. Lieberman is in the trouble he created for himself.
Here are the facts. It's a representative government and when the representatives don't do their job, they get voted out. I would have voted against Feinstein in the CA primary if there had been a choice. Some of us follow how a senator votes, and Feinstein voted for the confirmation of Rice and AbuGonzales, for the war, the bankruptcy bill and the burning of the flag amendment. The Democrats in CT have a choice. I'm happy for them.
Go Ned!
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Furious with mother
[Read the article: After all I've done for my mother, I'd like to strangle her!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]J. writes: "I've come to recognize her fearfulness, her neediness, and how I crippled myself to try to keep her safe."
It seems to me that when "J" was young, saving mom was like saving herself because losing mom would have been more unpleasant than any effort on J's part to help mom. Understanding that J was helping her own safety net may help difuse the anger.
But I would suggest that J express her anger in a journal or series of letters (not for delivery) to mom. After a few days, re-read the letter and write a new one that fixes any statements that need fixing. Repeat the exercise until J has a good understanding of what the anger is about.