If Congressman Mike Rogers wants to keep his reputation as an honorable man, he needs to watch the company he keeps. He is part of a Republican Party whose most visible political consultant, Karl Rove, assassinates opponents’ characters (Ann Richardson, John McCain, John Kerry, Joseph Wilson) instead of arguing facts. The congressman has also accepted campaign rally visits twice from Vice President Dick Cheney, who demonstrably lied us into the Iraq fiasco and now is implicated in leaking a CIA agent’s covert identity. Now Rogers returns from Guantanamo with news that “It’s not as bad as people say.” Well, what about all the credible reports — FBI, Pentagon, International Committee of the Red Cross — that refute that claim? Rogers’ visit to this prison was orchestrated by people who might conceivably be guilty of war crimes for the conditions there. For Rogers to maintain his reputation as honorable, he needs to address those glaring inconsistencies and demonstrate that he has thoroughly evaluated all evidence, not just that which he was spoon-fed. He can best serve the citizens of this state by maintaining his ability to decide things independently of the Bush administration.
Scott Beckett
Jacksonville
AEA and NEA
Re “AEA posing threat” (Speak Out, July 15)In response to Norman Bishop of Panama City bashing the AEA and NEA, I wonder how much in Alabama taxes Mr. Bishop pays?
He sounds exactly like a true Republican, always in another’s business. Well, this Republican administration has this country billions of dollars in debt. One would believe the writer’s energy might be better spent taking his concerns to Washington rather than bashing Alabama’s AEA.
Stop the GOP from cutting the dollars from education and the VA. The Veterans came up $1 billion short; he should be crying about that to his Florida representatives and President Bush, who sends the troops off to Iraq with no medical, or substandard treatment when returned, many in body bags. Is this of no concern?
Jack Nipper
Glencoe
Bush’s choice
George Bush’s appointment of John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court, replacing Sandra Day O’Connor, is a continuing example of his dictatorial reign. No condemnation of Roberts comes at this time because it appears he is an outstanding person and legal mind and he may well make an acceptable Supreme Court Justice. Still, the issue here is that he is a political conservative who fits what George Bush wants, not what the people want.
So, what is new? As with all dictators, Bush has never listened to the voice of the people!
James L. Nix
Hartselle
Clueless ‘Carnac’
Re “Does war stop terror?” (H.Brandt Ayers, July 24)H. Brandt Ayers continues to prove that he’s our small town “Amazing Carnac,” the master of hindsight. He never fails to come up with the amazing “question.” If only he would ever come up with even a clue as to an answer.
Armond “Si” Simmons
Pell City
Guitar legend
Some people may or may not realize how many wonderful and talented musicians have come out of our local area. For those like me that love those that can really play, it makes me proud. We do have one gentleman in the area that has few, if any, equals when he straps on his guitar. He is a giant among men. His name is Tony Yardley and I am convinced he is one of those the music industry let get away. Not only can he play like a monster on steroids, he can also play the gentlest and most tasteful finger-picking melodies you will hear.
I have known Tony for quite a few years and remain in awe of his talent. Even his jokes rock. So, for those that may be lucky enough to run into him in your daily travels, by all means shake his hand. And know in your heart that you just came in contact with one of the greatest guitar players most of the world will never know. Keep on rockin’, Tony.
Eric Luna
Anniston
