For the children

As I read the Jan. 9 letters, the one that stood out was "Our First Loyalty" by Robert Kraftowitz. I was extremely impressed by his views. I nominate him for secretary of state. He has more understanding and sense than any politician in this government, Israel or Hamas.

Recently, I saw a documentary on life in Gaza. At least two-thirds of the children are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. At least one-third of these children grow up to be extremists. After being terrorized by Israel and Hamas, should we wonder why? The children lack adequate food, medical care, schooling and housing and are denied the simple joy of being a child. Children should not have a wall to fence them in (reminds me of the ghettos of Europe the Nazis put the Jewish people in). And let's not forget the Berlin Wall (much like the one surrounding Gaza).

Religion seems to bring a lot of hatred and mistrust; it has been a major cause of wars throughout history. It is time to stop. Israel needs to be equally and fairly divided to give the Palestinians a homeland, as they as well as the Israelis have inhabited the same area for centuries. Please try for your children's sake to stop the hatred. Make 2009 a year to celebrate peace in the Holy Land.

I, for one, object to my tax dollars going to Israel to bomb the hell out of Gaza. The craziness has to stop.

JANE DILMORE
West View