Letters - Oct. 5

Time Magazine points out that there have been more than 400 allegations of detainee mistreatment since Abu Ghraib. This has occurred throughout the military's prison system in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at Guantanamo Bay. The Army has dealt with 230 of its personnel with court-martials and non-judicial punishment. Yet, no senior officers have been found culpable. The Bush administration has claimed no prior knowledge and no responsiblity.

Why, then, this military climate that promotes or allows prisoner abuse? Could it be that the Bush administration made an “end run” around the Geneva Convention that instructs nations about humane treatment of prisoners of war? Didn’t they do this by declaring those captured as ‘enemy combatants”? Wasn't this new designation created to make the military free to extract information for intelligence by any means available? Wasn’t this the authorized (but confidential) policy of the Bush administration?

It strikes me, if Lynndie England is to spend three year in prison, then so should President Bush, V.P. Cheney, and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, just to name a few! Perhaps they should spend more time behind bars than England, since they were knowledgeable about the implications of their conduct and their behavior was premeditated.

Carroll Davis

Hood River

Hear all sides

I am writing in response to the editorial by Rachel Fox from Portland. My name is also Rachael Fox. I am a resident of Cascade Locks, employed in both Hood River and Cascade Locks. While we may share the same name our views are quite different. I do see the value in the time and money that has been spent on both sides in regards to the proposed casino in Cascade Locks. The fact is that a proposition has already been made to place a casino in the Gorge. Before a final decision is made regarding a huge issue, such as a casino in the Gorge, public debate should be open so that all voices can be heard. Time and money is not wasted when it is used to give people a forum to either present their case, speak their mind or stand up for what they believe in. Whether the argument has been in favor or opposition of the casino, I am thankful to have been provided the opportunity to hear all sides of the story.

Rachael Fox

Cascade Locks

Barrow blessings

Thanks go to the special person or persons for the new wheelbarrow replacing that which was stolen along with the vegetables when it was left out in front of my house.

I have put out extra veggies for those who don't have a garden for many years and will continue now with a chained wheelbarrow.

I was shocked to find it gone but as the note on the barrow said it was to restore faith in people, not all are bad.

Bless you for the new wheelbarrow!

Joan Lage

Pine Grove