Letters to the Editor – 7/9/14

Iraq questions

Thanks to Don Chapman for a good column on Iraq. So I ask myself some questions: 1. Is Iraq or what happens there all that important or did we just make it so by invading it in the first place? 2. Why are Shiites only willing to fight for their holy places and, even then, not too effectively? Was Iraq really a country? 3. How far do the Iraqis have to cave before Iran steps in? 4. If Iran does step in, will the Saudis follow suit? 5. If the whole place goes up in smoke, what will Israel and Egypt do? 6. Except for oil and Israel, do we (USA) really care what happens there? My answer to that is a resounding no!

The only deep pockets in the whole area is Saudi Arabia. Some members of the royal family and the Wahabis were funding ISIS activity in Syria, and possibly may be even now. For most of the radical Muslims, if you are not one of them, you are an infidel.

When they resolve their differences and turn against us, we will have to deal with them. In the meantime, Muslims are killing Muslims, leaving fewer for us to handle. Israel, with our help, seems to be able to protect itself. Egypt is too unstable to get into the conflict.

So we need to find a way to get at the oil. Otherwise, let them go after each other.

Paul Tyksinski
Kailua

Mindful thanks

Thank you! Alice Inoue’s “A Mindful Moment” is a breath of fresh air and highly inspirational!

Don Chapman’s May 7 Editor’s Desk column hit it square on the nail in calling it a modernized version of Rev. Osumi’s “Today’s Thought.” For years, Rev. Osumi was part of my daily routine while getting ready for the day.

As a single father with two teenagers, gems from “A Mindful Moment” provide us with insightful and thought-provoking discussions during our commute or over dinner.

While it may be true that it takes a village to raise a child, it is my responsibility as their father to provide guidance in developing their moral compass. Ms. Inoue’s column is relevant to our household, and I am certain for many of your readers. It is these types of messages or affirmations that help get us through the rough spots or see things from a positive perspective.

Despite the marvels and glitz of “high tech,” I believe the human spirit is still at the core, and it behooves us to embrace “high-touch” qualities of human interaction. For some, they have no clue!

Thank you to MidWeek for stoking the fires of life with Ms. Inoue’s column, and I look forward to reading, albeit weekly, for years to come, as I did with Rev. Osumi.

Her messages are indeed powerful, but more importantly, priceless!

B. Hedani
Salt Lake