Letters: What planet is Blankenship writing from?

Reader: What planet is Blankenship writing from?

After reading Mr. Blankenship's election postmortem it's hard to figure out what planet he is writing from. It would be difficult to comment on all the old worn-out innuendo without writing a full blown op-ed piece. I just returned from a trip overseas and purchased the latest copy of “Stern” magazine in the Frankfurt airport.

The lead article was "Der Runinator". George W. has turned the United States from the world's leader to a bankrupt country hated by many and without respect among the rest. The removal of cowboy diplomacy from the White House will end the greatest recruiting tool Al Qaida has.

The borrow and spend without limit Dixiecrat-Republicans have destroyed our economy and Mr. Blankenship has "the blues".

Robert Roser
Aquia Harbour

Runner a brave role model, reader says

I have to say that Deborah McGee has a brave soul and a strong heart full of courage. After being diagnosed last year with Amytrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease, her choice in running in the New York City Marathon and ignoring the medical advice that her doctor warned her is courageous. She still went on and did it. She went head-on and pulled her way through the tough and emotional time to complete this marathon and still showed her mighty courage through it all. Having the support from her family and her friends has kept her mind and her soul positive, even though the muscles throughout her body are weakening day by day.

It is truly amazing to have read that there are about 30,000 people in the United States that have to struggle with this debilitating disease. Deborah refuses to allow this illness to interrupt her daily life and she plans to continue running for as long as her body can withstand it. This shows me that people have to keep the energy within them strong and not allow the mind to take over the spirit. Hold your head up and be strong! Deborah McGee will have a smile on her face when all is finished and this will show her true bravery over this illness.

[To Deborah:] I have to say, that you give us inspiration to continue with whatever one has, to continue our daily lives. May God bless you.

Anna Victoria Reich
Stafford

Holiday a time to celebrate, not cause suffering

President Bush will only pardon two turkeys this Thanksgiving; approximately 45 million others — just as deserving of compassion and respect — are depending on compassionate Americans to grant them their own personal pardons.

Turkeys are sweet, social, charismatic birds. When they’re not confined in filthy factory farms, they spend their days building nests, foraging for food, taking dust baths, preening, and roosting in trees. They enjoy having their feathers stroked and like to gobble along to music. Poultry scientist Tom Savage says, “I’ve always viewed turkeys as smart animals with personality and character, and keen awareness of their surroundings.”

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, not suffering. Please consider pardoning a turkey. See VegCooking.com for vegetarian recipes, cooking tips, and product suggestions. Have a happy and humane holiday!

Heather Moore
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Norfolk