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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us April 21, 2005 Historical view of war on terror Bruce Reed wrote of Alan Wolfe’s book “Return to Greatness,” in the April Washington Monthly, “February 2005 marked a milestone, of sorts, for America: Since the 9/11 attacks, we fought the war on terror for 41 months — the same length of time it took our grandparents’ America to go from being attacked at Pearl Harbor to winning World War II in Europe. ... By May 1945, the U.S. had rallied the world to crush fascist totalitarianism and was hosting 50 allied nations to charter the United Nations. By February 2005, by contrast, the U.S. had splintered the world’s resolve to stamp out Islamic totalitarianism, weakened the United Nations, and damaged historic alliances. Three and a half years into the war on terror, no V-E Day is in sight, unless Bush counts his reelection as a victory over France. Perhaps the most dispiriting contrast between then and now is closer to home. In the wake of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, FDR transformed a struggling, isolationist nation into the greatest economic and military power on earth, laid the groundwork for the most dramatic explosion of middle-class opportunity in history, and unleashed a spirit of sacrifice and responsibility we have prized for 60 years since.” There are other great contrasts but I’ll not enumerate them now as the above provides food for the thoughtful mind and I wouldn’t want to over emphasize our present deplorable situation. Maxine Scott Ashland Details rob city of creativity From watching the April 12 Northlight project planning commission meeting, it’s clear that nothing innovative or exciting can ever be built in downtown Ashland. Constrained by the codification of every detail down to materials, window heights, number and placement of door openings — all slavishly pegged to the modest architectural glories of Ashland past — then fine-sifted through a screen of commissioners’ egos, architecture as an art form is dead in Ashland. We will never have our equivalent of a Getty Museum, an Eiffel Tower, a Gaudi fantasy or even the shopping excitement of a Harrods. Increasingly, Ashland will look as if it was designed by committee. Ground to a lumpen shape by the initial two-year-long community involvement process, then running the gauntlet of city commissions, whatever is left of a project’s initial spark must battle for its last shred of identity when it goes before Ashland’s version of “Extreme Makeover,” the planning commission. It’s astounding, bordering on hubris, the magnitude of the personal opinions blithely tossed off as aesthetic and design gospel by commission members. Commissioner Marilyn Briggs was particularly sharpish in her comments concerning what was and was not Ashland and what she would allow in these regards. Indeed, until that night’s meeting, I wasn’t aware just how much personal scope and sheer ego the commissioners allow themselves in dictating how things will be in Ashland. It would be much more efficient we if just lightly penciled in what we thought the town might need, then let the planning commission design it for us. John Gaffey Ashland You can help prevent suicide A group of educators, counselors and other concerned citizens have recently formed the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Jackson County in an effort to stem the tide of needless death by suicide. In 2003 alone, there were more than 30 reported suicides in Jackson County. The goals of this group include increasing sensitivity to suicide and suicidal ideation and improving existing mental health resources, resulting in more frequent and earlier interventions. The coalition will meet again Monday at 7 p.m. in the Hospice Facility of Ashland Community Hospital (1970 Ashland St.) and invites you to attend. Winterspring, one of the many community partners supporting the Coalition, has also arranged for an ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) to be held on April 29 and 30 in Medford. For more information on either the Coalition or ASIST training, please contact Richard Kumro, 552-0609. Richard Kumro Ashland Alexander is right choice I am writing to enthusiastically support Ruth Alexander for Ashland School Board Position No. 1. In the many years that I have known her, Ruth has been actively and passionately involved in our schools. She has given many hours volunteering in classrooms, tutoring children and serving on school district committees, which gives her a unique and involved perspective on Ashland schools. She loves children, respects and supports teachers and cares deeply about public education. Having been in meetings with Ruth, I know one of her many strengths is her ability to listen to all sides of an issue and to make decisions based on careful thought and good sense. She never hesitates to speak up when necessary, but always respects the opinions of others. Ruth will be a strong, clear voice for our whole community. Please join me in voting for Ruth — a true advocate for children and education! Gene K. 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