Published: August 06, 2008 08:48 am            

READERS' FORUM 8/7 | Hellish memoir a ‘must’ read

Every American ought to read the book “When Hell Was in Session” by Jeremiah Denton, a Navy pilot who, like John McCain, was shot down in North Vietnam.

These two men were kept in prison camps that were a living hell. They were confined in bamboo cages, 6 feet by 6 feet, in 100-degree temperatures for months and years at a time.

It was nothing like the U.S. prison in Cuba – the one where Democrats have complained about the harsh treatment of Muslim terrorists by our government.

McCain and Denton were beaten and starved to almost death, then revived so this brutal treatment could be repeated. A few prisoners broke down and even committed suicide. It was a living hell.

Bill Clinton, who was a war protester and draft dodger, was in America helping the North Vietnam butchers win that unpopular war.

McCain doesn’t want to see the U.S. make the same mistake in Iraq. We lost 50,000 troops in Vietnam, and McCain doesn’t want the 4,000-plus soldiers killed in Iraq to have died in vain.

It’s sad that the Democrats would call McCain a warmonger. He knows more about the horrors of war than any other American.

McCain went along with President Bush because he was tough on terrorists in Iraq and in the U.S. We haven’t been attacked at home since 9/11.

We don’t know how the Democrats would act in these dangerous times.

Would Barack Obama be like President Clinton, who did nothing to stop the next threat to America?

Stephen R. Sakmar

Johnstown



McCain would follow in Bush’s footsteps

Who in their right mind would go to the polls and vote for John McCain?

Rep. John Murtha is right – McCain is too old to be president.

On his recent trip to the Middle East and Europe, McCain would have made a complete fool of himself if he hadn’t had Sens. Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman to correct him on statements he made about the war in Iraq.

McCain supports giving tax breaks to corporations that ship good-paying union jobs to third-world countries. Their products are made in sweatshops and the workers are paid slave-labor wages.

He also supports privatizing Social Security. He thinks that’s a better idea than having the government pay back the money it fleeced out of the retirement program over the years.

Big oil donated more than a million dollars to the McCain campaign. If he’s elected, big oil will play the tune and McCain will dance to it.

Many people think the Bush administration is the most corrupt this country has ever seen. A vote for McCain is a vote for Bush and Cheney’s failed policies.

Ralph A. Swank

Johnstown



Windber site unsuitable for building

Someone is inquiring about building storage sheds on a property on 17th Street in Windber. This is the same land that Windber Area Authority tried to build on.

By my definition, the site is a wetland.

During part of the year it is dry, and at other times it is a swamp.

The Borough Council, water authority and zoning commission were told these facts by people who live nearby. The people were ignored.

After the land was purchased, rezoned and surveyed, no structure was built because it was determined that footers would not support the structure. It is simply not a feasible place to erect any building. Deja vu.

Across the railroad tracks where the old Mine 35 outbuildings are located would be a place for such a project.

The borough is building a nice playground area with swings and an elaborate sliding board on the upper end of the property. I want to call their attention to a hazardous condition. The embankment is just a few feet away from an ATV and dirt bike trail. An out-of-control vehicle could result in a disaster.

This condition should be remedied.

Charles Finnegan

Windber



Lions clubs lead way in training guide dogs

What a wonderful article (“A leader is made,” July 21) about 15-year-old Sarah Rankin and her family, who will spend a year preparing Caspian Tyler, a Labrador retriever, to become a leader dog.

We would like to add that Leader Dogs for the Blind is sponsored by the largest service organization in the world, Lions International. In our local region,known as Lions District 14-J, more than 1,200 Lions members support Leader Dogs and a host of other projects.

Lions clubs, with the motto “We Serve,” are open to men, women and youth.

Consider joining one of the many Lions clubs in our region. Our Lorain-Moxham Lions Club, for example, during the activity year usually meets each second and fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the social hall of Grove Avenue United Methodist Church

For more information, please call King Lion Frank Popp at 288-5665.

The Rev. Wilbert A. Boerstler

Director, Lorain-Moxham Lions Club

Johnstown



Care center’s tribute set an example for all

Congratulations to Eileen Graham of LaurelWood Care Center and all who took part in the salute to veterans and their spouses. This event was to honor those who served and who now reside in the care of this facility.

Eileen is a very caring young lady who gives respect to all vets and their spouses.

Let us follow her example and take time to remember all who have served and sacrificed so we can live in a free country.

I am proud to be her mother.

Sadie Graham

Johnstown

        

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