We can do better than past 8 years

I have to admit I am somewhat flattered. Not only has Steve Toye read several of my letters, but he has spent many months thinking about them. One letter he references goes back to December of last year. Unfortunately, his memory appears a bit faulty about just exactly what I said, and I am sure he would never intentionally mischaracterize my actual words. So, let's take one rant at a time: 1) I never showered former Air America host Randi Rhodes with "ardent accolades." What I said, Steve, in response to your letter that Air America disparages the troops, was that Randi Rhodes was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force "who lobbied actively for body armor and adequate supplies for our troops." This was and is a true statement. 2) I am not "mightily perplexed and offended about the use of the term 'Islamo-fascists.'" What I said was that Islamic fanaticism has nothing to do with fascism, which it doesn't. Fascism is an unholy alliance between corporations and government. The term was coined by the grandfather of all fascists, Benito Mussolini, who equated corporatism with fascism. You know, like when oil companies, private defense contractors and pharmaceutical companies shape governmental policy and enrich themselves. I am just as opposed to Islamic extremists as you are, Steve. 3. This is almost too ridiculous to address: Bill Clinton vetoing AMWAR in 1995? That was 13 years ago. Oil prices were $30.00 a barrel in January 2001; today, a barrel of oil is trading in excess of $100.00. Oil companies continue to report staggering profits. Who is benefiting and who is hurting? We are seeing the greatest income disparity in this country since the early 1920s. It is too bad that right-wing radicals have such a monolithic world view.

You may disagree with me, Steve, but I guarantee you that I love this country every bit as much as you do. I believe we can do much better than has been demonstrated during the past eight years.

Greg Newlin

Naperville