Published: December 12, 2007 07:55 pm            

Letters to the editor - Thursday, Dec.13, 2007

America under economic attack

Pearl Harbor: Our younger generations have conveniently forgotten what that means. I was reminded every time I saw my dad limp around on crippled legs, courtesy of the Japanese.

Next, the “Korean Conflict.” Yes, I, like many others lost family there. Now they, like I, get to watch a parade of Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, etc., driven by a lot of fat, dumb and happy fools. The Koreans give us Hyundais.

Neither Japan nor Korea could whip us militarily, so they have attacked us economically. It’s working. Who do they think will patronize their employer when GM, Ford and Chrysler no longer exist? Japan? Korea? Yeah, right!

Now, here comes China. They are attacking us through our children. If Chrysler does import their Chery automobile, I think they will be making another serious blunder. We’ll see – when they start paying in yen and you have to cash your check in Tokyo or Seoul. Maybe they’ll feed your family.

Mannie Ford Jr.

Kokomo

Past is where we can draw comfort

On Dec. 7, I picked up a copy of the Kokomo Tribune and was interested in reading something about the commemoration of Pearl Harbor. Much to my surprise, there was only a small – and I mean small – article on Page 3, devoted to this special occasion.

When so much is being done and said about patriotism, the issues facing our government, the current war in Iraq and potential conflict with Iran, 9/11, acts of violence against Americans and America itself, and terrorism in general, I would think that the past would be where we could draw support, comfort and a feeling of pride.

Yes, this was a terrible day in the history of our nation, but we rallied and fought. We sent our men and women into the face of death, and we prevailed at a time when it seemed the entire world was coming to an end.

I believe the programs recently shown on PBS have accurately portrayed the horrors of war and, yet, it also showed the valor of our troops in the armed services, as well as the valor and unending support our people gave to the troops and the war effort. This must not be forgotten. Especially now that we are in the middle of a conflict that also seems to have no end in sight and is taking some of our best men and women’s lives and potential in the process.

It is essential that we remember what has transpired in this country’s short history, what it took to get us here, and the lives that have been lost to achieve our freedom. Please do not just devote a small, two- or three-paragraph story to such an important time in history.

This deserves front-page prominence and a thought-provoking article or interview with someone who may have served in this arena of World War II. Soon, all those who did serve will be gone from us, and we will only be able to read about this part of history in books.

It is vital that all young people understand the priceless gift a person can give in serving their country because they may be called upon in the future to lay down their life for the freedom of their loved ones.

May you continue to recognize the important role you play in the community when you acknowledge and support the things that make this country great.

Cecilia Burkhart

Kokomo

        

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