It's words, deeds of Arab leaders that block peace
If Ahmed Bouzid is really seeking the source of the "harsh words" that "trample Palestinian hopes," he would be well advised to look at the institutionalized anti-Semitism and hate speech that has been part and parcel of Palestinian school textbooks, media, and political speech for decades ("Harsh words trample Palestinians' hopes," Opinion Commentary, June 17).
He might also want to cite blood-libels in government-controlled Arab newspapers, the huge financial rewards for the families of homicide-bombers, as well as the endorsements of violence against Americans and Jews by Yasser Arafat, Islamic clerics and other Arab leaders.
Ultimately, the real depth of hatred can be measured by the results of the rhetoric. In Israel, extremist views bring indignation, condemnation and demonstrations. On the Arab side, incendiary hate speech results in the proliferation of homicide-bombings and destruction against innocent civilians throughout the world.
The consequences of Palestinian words are the murderous deeds that truly trample the hope of peace.
Cronshi Englander
Baltimore
The real question is not what Palestinians are to make of extremist statements by a few private citizens, but what Israelis are to think when the Palestinian Authority, through its control of the Palestinian media, repeatedly calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews and their supporters around the world.
True peace between Palestinians and Israelis cannot be achieved as long as the official mouthpiece of the Palestinian people continues to encourage violence and terror against innocent civilians.
Craig Appelbaum
Washington
Perhaps the Israelis would be a little more inclined to peacefully solve the conflict if they weren't being blown up?
Perhaps the Israelis would look a little more kindly on their Palestinian neighbors if the Palestinians didn't teach hatred, martyrdom and vicious jihad?
R. Frank
Baltimore
When considering Ahmed Bouzid's column, "Harsh words trample Palestinians' hopes," we would do well to recall the axiom that "actions speak louder than words."
Some questions:
Who rejected an offer that would have produced a Palestinian state on 96 percent of the administered territories, along with most of their long-sought goal of statehood?
Who followed this unprecedented offer by launching, a 20-month-long intifada, marked by the deliberate targeting and murdering of innocent women and children through the cynical manipulation of human bombs?
In the aftermath of Sept. 11, who celebrated the killing of thousands of individuals in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania while the Israelis lowered their flags to half-mast in mourning?
The answer: The Palestinians and their so-called leaders.
Howard E. Friedman
Arthur C. Abramson
Baltimore
The writers are, respectively, the president and the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council.
Stop supporting Israel's apartheid
Ahmed Bouzid's column "Harsh words trample Palestinians' hopes" (Opinion Commentary, June 17) was amazing. Thank you so much for printing it.
It is shocking to realize how very brutal and harsh and blind our own country has been in regard to the very real plight of the Palestinians.
America really should stop supporting Israel's apartheid and start supporting the basic human rights of every inhabitant of the Holy Land.
We should start insisting Israel fully implement all United Nations resolutions, including those giving Palestinian refugees the right to return.
Anne Selden Annab
Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Help buying homes dampens incentives
I was truly appalled to read of President Bush's proposal for homeownership help for minorities ("U.S. must help minorities buy homes, president says," June 18).
This is truly a slap in the face for World War II veterans as well as the generations before them.
These people worked hard for many years to attain a nice life style and a home for themselves and their children, without government assistance. And most of them were middle- or lower-income workers.
Constant giveaway programs by our government eliminate incentives to help oneself.
Elizabeth Myers
Baltimore
Without regulations, greed isn't good
Hardly a day passes without some new exposure of corruption in corporate America - from hiding losses and phony revenue estimates to top executives who make off with millions as their companies go broke. Meanwhile, thousands lose their jobs and investments.
The modern robber barons bankroll the Republican Party and its worship of free-market capitalism as the great hope for mankind.
But an economic system built on greed can be awesomely ugly when it is not regulated for the public good.
Investment for profit is the foundation of America's economic growth, but the future seems bleak when investors cannot rely on financial reporting by corporations.
Tough legislation to regulate financial reporting and audits is needed, but Republicans are insisting on softer measures.
Raymond S. Gill
Crownsville
Sarbanes' reforms come way too late
The Sun's glowing editorial about Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes should be re-titled: "Locking the barn door after the horse gets out" ("The Sarbanes way," June 20).
Based upon the Enron Corp. fiasco and the political climate of this election year, even New York's freshman senator from Arkansas could have done what Mr. Sarbanes did.
Larry Klos
Baltimore
Care for our own poor people first
In response to the letter "We should do more to aid world's poor"(June 17), I think that when the U. S. government has taken care of its own poor and homeless, then and only then should it devote more funds to aiding the world's poor.
We have no business helping other countries when we cannot even take care of our own.
Terry L. Basset
Baltimore
'The Lyric' is a big echo chamber
Like the writer of the letter "Poor sound quality muffles 'The Lyric'" (June 18), I also decided years ago to never again waste my time and money to attend a performance there.
The Lyric Opera House is little more than one big echo chamber. Although it is visually appealing, acoustically it is a disaster.
Perhaps the Lyric should be used as a museum, but certainly not as a music hall.
Louis Storm
Bel Air