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Letters to the editor: Flag-waving and the Fourth Let's hope our 4th of July celebration will be a time of reflection rather than flag-waving jingoism. Many are still in shock at how this administration was determined to have their dirty little war. Never in history has there been such a groundswell of domestic and world opinion opposing any policy. Can we still say we are a democracy? During our celebrations will we remember that Asst. Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz admitted that the administration deliberately lied about weapons of mass destruction? Will we recall that Bush used forged evidence about Iraq's nuclear capabilities in his State of the Union Address? Will we remember that our cherished civil liberties have been virtually abolished since 9/11 and that in the name of national security hundreds have been imprisoned without charges and deprived of counsel? Many of the detainees at Guantanamo, in Cuba, have tried to commit suicide because of their inhumane conditions. Now that we have again destroyed a Third World country, with what wanton hubris do we alone decide how long to occupy the country and how to divide up its vast oil reserves? This is not the USA we grew up loving! Many have become cynical and dropped out. In many areas of the world our flag is a symbol of oppression. Historian Howard Zinn says there is no flag big enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people. Will the Fourth celebrations be a time for jingoism or for reflection? Robert Jones, Ashland Guest forum: Common ground between Waldorf, school district By Deborah Gordon Ashland The Ashland School Board's denial of Briscoe space to Waldorf as expressed by Ms. DiChiro and the Ashland Daily Tidings definitely is thought provoking. I respond with some alternative viewpoints, not necessarily to compete with or defeat the viewpoint of the public schools. First:I am certain that next year's first grade Waldorf class will exist whatever action the School Board takes. The only uncertainties are: Who will receive their rent check? Will the children have a lawn to play on? Further: Waldorf education is substantially different from the public school program. Luckily we can choose: some families paying taxes to support Oregon schools will pay independently for that choice. At some point, after eighth grade perhaps, they will choose to join the public system or go elsewhere. All the actions of the public school system will factor into their decision. Finally: Not all communities offer this choice. From many years' association with Waldorf, I know that the Waldorf opportunities here actually draw young families to Ashland. The spirit of generosity and mutual support exists within both public and Waldorf school communities. We all participate in each other's fund-raising events and celebrations. I expect that the city as a whole might disagree with the Board's action. What would provide the greatest blessings for all in this situation? I hope Briscoe is completely rented to fill the school's pockets. I hope that all the children in Ashland attend flourishing schools. In particular, I hope that next year's first graders will all find truly wonderful homes, wherever they attend school. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -