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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels June 21, 2004 Religious probs of no surprise Gerry Cavanaugh (May 22nd) references a "unitary state" (Israelis and Palestinians) in which all citizens share equal rights and duties." Is he kidding? Palestinian Arabs and Jews couldn't live together because Palestinians would never tolerate it. Jews have more than demonstrated tolerance for Arabs. There are 1 million Arab Israeli citizens living in Israel proper (20 percent of the population) who share every single democratic privilege and protection Jewish Israelis enjoy - freedoms unheard of in neighboring Arab nations like voting, religious choice, representation in Parliament, freedom to criticize the government. Arab Israelis are free to leave but several have told me they choose to stay because their life in Israel is far superior to anywhere else in the region. Alternatively, it's no surprise that Palestinians demand every Jewish "settler" leave the West Bank and Gaza. Jews are forbidden to even visit most Arab countries, let alone live there. It's a known fact that 800,000 Jewish refugees were forced out of Arab countries after 1947, when the UN partitioned Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab States. One should realize that Jews have been living continuously in these areas including Israel/Palestine for millennia. Yet there's an implied assumption on the part of Arabs (and Cavanaugh) that they don't have the right to be there. Why? Cavanaugh's grand vision is already happening in Israel. It could never happen in a combined state with the Palestinians. As demonstrated to date, they'd demand the departure of every Jew - one way or the other. Gary Acheatel Ashland Jackson House OK solution I have never written a letter to the editor of any newspaper until I moved to Ashland. I don't know if I have too much time on my hands or if feel so passionately about views expressed. David Cassidy's letter forced me again to come out of retirement and voice my thoughts. Although I have concerns about housing the criminally (and I stress criminally) insane in Jackson House, I feel Jackson County had little alternatives. I live in the vicinity of the hospital, so I too worry about possible issues that may arise. However, I don't wish to condemn the ACH Foundation for trying to be part of a very difficult solution. I had surgery last week at the Ashland Community Hospital. I find this hospital to live up to the community part of its name. It is a place where employees clearly like what they do and that rubs off on those of us who receive their services. Thank you to all of you at ACH who care and show that caring daily! Mr. Cassidy, we see this situation a little differently. I have always supported providing housing for mentally challenged people within the borders of a county in which I live. I, too, am tentative about housing the criminally insane as I know you are, but I believe that security provisions have been taken to reduce the chance for inappropriate happenings. I also believe that the Ashland police department will find ways to ensure the safety of neighbors and the rest of the community. Let's give them a chance. In a little over a year, the facility will be moved to Medford. It is time for Ashland to step up to the challenge and share the interim burden for Jackson County. Why should Medford, as the largest community in Southern Oregon, always shoulder the burden for Jackson County? Tia Hatch Ashland Actors make 'Godot' worth it Brandy Carson, Shirley Patton & Liisa Ivary are giving stunning performances in Waiting for Godot, currently showing at OregonStageworks' new space in the A St. Marketplace. All 3 are superb actors, well-cast, skillfully directed by Janet Greek, in Samuel Beckett's provocative existential poetic classic. Both Brandy and Shirley are at their very best. Liisa as Pozzo is electrifying. This is a live art piece not to be missed. Support your local theatre and give yourself a treat at the same time. Waiting for Godot is a very special offering on many levels. Dot Fisher-Smith Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams