Letters to the Editor

Fifth year in Iraq brings questions

Five years ago our government commenced one of the largest investment plans in history. Currently, we spend more than $300 million a day — roughly $12 billion a month — on a war that has cost nearly 4,000 American lives and upward of 1 million Iraqi lives. Census information states that 13 million U.S. children live in poverty and have no health insurance. For just over $10 billion our nation could invest in healthcare plans to cover ALL of them. Is then the life of foreigners more valuable than that of our own children- Our nation seems to think so based on how it invests its money.
Not only has our government failed us by investing in this war in Iraq, it has also robbed our children of future funds for health and happiness within our own borders.
But it's not all about money.   
By continuing to fight for "freedom" in Iraq, generations of Americans and their families are suffering trauma, debilitation and emotional scars that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.   
And then let us not forget those on the other side who have been damned simply by where they were born. I had the chance to meet and work with a young displaced Iraqi boy in Boston a few months ago. He is about 7 years old and is perfectly healthy, save the fact that he is missing half of his face. It was taken by American soldiers during a raid on his hometown. I wonder now, in his mind, who is the real terrorist-
This fifth anniversary of the war, please reflect on the ramifications of what it means to be an American in light of this war, and ask yourself: do I support this half-decade of violent, illegal and immoral aggression- 
Tim Cunningham
Charlottesville

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Bruce Allen is honest, common-sense choice
I am voting for Bruce Allen in the May 6 City Council election.
Bruce has a long record of unselfishly providing services to promote the well-being of the citizens of Waynesboro. He is a retired law enforcement officer and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. For 25 years, he put his life on the line for the protection of others. He has worked tirelessly for the benefit of children. Bruce has two children in our school system and supports quality education. He is the vice president of the Boys and Girls Club and is on the board of directors for the Blue Ridge Soap Box Classic. Bruce and his family are devout Christians and are members of the Main Street United Methodist Church.
Bruce is a fiscal conservative and will strive to protect our citizens against frivolous borrowing and long-term debt to support special interest projects. Chris Graham, also running for the Ward B seat, is supported by Nancy Dowdy, though she now denies it, and without a doubt Bill Hausrath and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. Bruce supports the WTA and has worked weekends for them, but he does not support using taxpayer money. In the Feb. 2 edition of The News Virginian, Dowdy and Graham are pictured together and Dowdy is quoted, saying "We share the same vision. He supports our vision." Could "our" represent Dowdy, Councilwoman Lorie Smith, Mayor Tom Reynolds, Hausrath and the WTA-
On the other hand, Bruce Allen has always considered himself a servant of all the people and will continue to do what is best for all the citizens of Waynesboro.
I encourage everyone to vote for Bruce Allen. We need honest, common-sense representation on the City Council.
Stewart Hall
Waynesboro

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Community should support great idea
Recently, I learned that a Cancer Awareness Garden named The Serenity Garden is being built in Waynesboro's Ridgeview Park behind Westwood School, overlooking South River ("Ground broken on Serenity Garden," Sept. 29). This garden honors the families, friends and caregivers whose lives have been touched by cancer. The public is encouraged to purchase engraved bricks, which will be placed in the walkways throughout the garden in honor, or memory, of a loved one. This will be a beautiful garden and an asset to our area. I urge the community to support this beautiful idea by purchasing a brick. Call (540) 942-4286 and a brick order form will be mailed to you. Buy a brick, help build a garden, honor a loved one.
Doris Draper
Waynesboro