Letters

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Written by: Ed Calkins

Published: 09 May 2011

One aspect of the excessive information about the killing of Usama Bin Laden troubles me.

Enhanced interrogation techniques (e.g., water boarding) has been an effective weapon in this war on terrorism. It has resulted in stopping specific attacks on the US and as we all have heard more than a few times provided key clues that led to Usama Bin Laden.

Sadly, it is no longer used by our side in this war. If we captured Usama Bin Laden or other high-value terrorists, we can no longer effectively interrogate them. And, one of your loved ones might be part of their next target.

My concern and question is why should Barack Obama and Eric Holder be allowed to determine that we cannot use one of our most effective weapons against terrorism?

If they ruled that we could no longer use airplanes to defend our country, we would be up in arms and we would not accept the ruling.

Other weapons that we have to defend our liberty such as tanks and aircraft carriers are not effective against terrorism by a suicide bomber.

Our most effective weapon in this war is intelligence and enhanced interrogation techniques when authorized in very special circumstances are a key tool to get critical intelligence in time to stop another 9/11.

Water boarding has only been used on three captives by the US and the results have been extraordinary.

So instead of standing by while our inexperienced president continues to try and bring legal action against the CIA for legally using these interrogation techniques, we should bring legal action against this non-qualified president for stopping our CIA and our military from using this weapon to defend our country and our citizens. It is not his right to put all of us in harm's way.

The “torture” argument is significant and means a lot to most of us. However techniques such as water boarding are not torture.

Water boarding is used on our military officers during training, we do not torture them. This is an enemy that follows no rules; they have publicly beheaded our citizens that they have captured. They continually target unarmed citizens.

We must not allow this administration to take this effective weapon away from us.

Ed Calkins lives in Kelseyville, Calif.

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Written by: Jack Baxter

Published: 07 May 2011

In reading a May 7 comment addressing a Lake County News article, “Sheriff clashes with tribe over resources, funding issues,” I see a participant expressing their opinion and using the name “Baxter.”

I can see where this could cause confusion on the part of some people and would like to make it clear that this individual is not Jack Baxter former candidate for sheriff nor do they speak on my behalf.

I support this persons right to publicly voice their views however I do not necessarily share their opinions and this person does not speak for me.

Jack Baxter is a former Lake County sheriff candidate. He lives in Lakeport, Calif.

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Written by: Joey Luiz

Published: 06 May 2011

I was very moved last weekend by the number of people that turned out for “Clearlake Clean Up Day.” It was the largest turn out I can recall in the last few years.

I would like to give a special thank you to all the citizens, students, business people, City Hall administrative staff, Clearlake public works staff and Clearlake Waste Solutions for all their efforts.

Truckloads of garbage were picked up off the city streets in a matter of hours by these great folks helping to better the health of the environment, and very importantly our lake.

I also would like to recognize the Clearlake Police Department, Volunteers In Policing and officers, who not only contributed but also insured that all participants that day were safe.

It was an honor to work with all these model community members to make Clearlake a cleaner, safer place.

Joey Luiz is vice mayor of Clearlake, Calif.