It is no wonder we are getting the wrong answers in Iraq. We are asking the wrong questions! The question is not what will happen there if we withdraw our presence, but how will it compare now with what will happen when we eventually leave. Unless we intend to be there permanently, we must leave sometime.
Every day we are there we are killing people on both sides and increasing our debt recklessly, not even mentioning the adverse effect to the Iraqi people themselves. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. Using temporary Band-Aids never works when major surgery is desperately needed.
This war, as no other in our history, has been totally botched and the answer is certainly not to make it worse by digging ourselves in deeper. The adding of troops is the expression of a spoiled brat who has been protected all his life by bailouts. It is time for some tough love to be used.
If we pull out completely now, and force Iraq to deal with the problems, it is not good, but this will be true no matter when we withdraw.
Art Chesluk Santa Monica
Keep SM police in place
Editor:
(Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the Q-Line question of a week ago that asked readers if it is time to disband the Santa Monica Police Department and contract with the LA County Sheriff’s Department in efforts to stem gang violence.)
Gang Violence is epidemic, misunderstood and, unfortunately, has tentacles that reach out of darkness and pull our children and families into anguish.
The Santa Monica Police Department has a gallant reputation, dating back to the 1800s, and many members of this fine police department were born in Santa Monica and live in or near the community. A large percentage of our officers have college degrees, and most of all, none spent five to seven years guarding county prisoners as a prerequisite to patrol duty. This sheriff department “jail duty” hardens even the most compassionate aspiring police officer.
Look at one of the most dangerous (areas) in the United States — Compton. The occupation of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has done little to stem the murder rate. Please, do not allow Santa Monica to mirror the political mindset of Compton.
Even the suggestion that the Santa Monica Police Department be replaced is absurd.
