As many have observed, the Democratic Party is no longer the party of FDR, JFK or LBJ. Most recent evidence is the desperate and shameless embrace extended to Jerry Springer ("He's a mayor! He's a sleaze! And now? Try Dem delegate," May 15). Who will the leaders of the party recruit next to their national convention? Howard Stern? Larry Flynt?
Robert E. Wubbolding, Columbia Township
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Reagan case shows need for caring
I was 10 when Nancy Reagan was thrashing me with her "just say no" drug avoidance campaign. Now she delivers a new message, supporting the use of stem-cell research, which proves to all who care to review the big picture that the Republican Party is in an identity crisis. While busily playing war games, leveraging the religious right, and clamping down on our First Amendment rights and gay people, the Bush administration has created policy that injures one of its own heroes. Will President Bush just say no to Nancy?
Clifford Adams,Mount Washington
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U.S. could have curbed Holocaust
In the May 16 Forum section ("Sound bites"), there was a quote from Holocaust historian Richard Breitman of American University, who said that it was an "intelligence failure" that the government did not react to the mass killings of Jews during World War II.
All of what I have and learned about the Holocaust negates what he has said. Members of Jewish organizations asked the government to bomb the railroad tracks that led to Auschwitz. This was never done. The conclusion, stated by President Franklin Roosevelt, was that the first priority was to win the war, and then the "final solution" would be dealt with. But it was too late.
I understand that it is impossible to comprehend murder and evil on such a grand scale, but the failure to react earlier during World War II cost the lives of 6 million Jews, one-third of all the Jews in the world.
Helen W. Joffe, Hamilton
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War in Iraq is 9-11 terrorists' fault
This letter is in response to the guest column of Profs. Thomas A. Idinopulos and Abraham H. Miller, I don't think get it ("U.S. must get out of unwinnable war in Iraq," May 16). The war accomplished what the United Nations didn't have the backbone to do, and that was to send a message to the Saddams of this world that we in the United States will not tolerate his ignoring the mandates of the United Nations that he agreed to. The weapons of mass destruction were probably moved to Syria prior to our invasion.
The Islamic terrorists have brought this about by attacking us on 9-11.
As for Iraq, give them a choice - arm all three sides and let them decide what type of government they want to live under, just as we did in 1776 and 1861. A country not worth fighting for and dying for is not worth living for or in.
William Sanderson, Cleves
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Frailey should stress parents' role
The article "Cincinnati schools expect better rating" (May 13) stated the goal of removing the state "academic emergency" rating. To climb up that ol' academic ladder again, Superintendent Alton Frailey recommends testing students regularly, more discipline, and a $1 billion renovation, among others.
I lived in Cincinnati for many years. Frailey merely restates the 1989 words of Superindent Lee Etta Powell, Michael Brandt and Steven Adamowski. Intentions seem good, but results show steady declines in academics and students (52,000 to 38,000). Per-pupil costs increased from about $5,000 in 1989 to almost $10,000 this year. The $1 billion boondoggle cost is about $26,000 per student seat.
Bottom line: Frailey will likely fail, like his predecessors, because of low parental involvement. Unfortunately, he did not stress this, and no one really knows how to obtain it.
Blake Baird, Elsmere
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Larger's return can benefit church
This is to provide another perspective to the disgusted responses regarding the reinstatement of Rev. Raymond Larger. I am thankful for his return. While I do not condone his past behavior, he has expressed remorse for his actions and promises to live up to his vows in the future. He was not a predator of our children, and the prognosis for his ability to make corrections is good. He has a lot of excellent qualities that can used to the benefit of the church. Welcome back, Father!
Mary Dome, Colerain Township
