President Obama should reconsider Hagel

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in the mid 1950s and came in contact with decorated combat veterans of both World War II and Korea. While these guys served their country valiantly, a few of them were horrendous haters.

They mouthed ethnic slurs about African-Americans, Jews and Hispanics. Sadly, being a decorated veteran doesn’t mean that one is free of racism, prejudice or hatred.

It seems that Chuck Hagel is resurrecting the Protocols of the Elders of Zion in talking about the “Jewish” lobby.

Yes, one can be critical of Israel, but not of Iran, Hamas or Hezbollah. Moreover there are many truly powerful lobbies in Washington — arms companies, oil and the NRA. An endorsement from Ray McGovern says it all; he has consistently been an Israel basher.

I would hope that President Obama reconsiders his choice.

Walter Sygman, Palmetto Bay

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The readers’ forum

‘First 48’ exploits victims of crime

Thank you for your recent coverage of the city of Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa’s decision not to renew a contract with the reality show The First 48. For years the show’s film crew has roamed the streets of Miami’s urban communities searching for victims of homicide to feature on their show. 1369259411
Spiritual or religious?

Martin Slater’s May 17 letter, Changing beliefs, responding to Myriam Marquez’s May 12 column makes the common mistake of equating religion and spirituality. While religions encourage the development of our spiritual sense, religious dogmas are unnecessary to cultivate one’s own sense of spirituality. Many nonreligious individuals are highly spiritual, keenly in tune with their inner-self and the concept of a creative universal force. 1369259411
DCF is disgraceful

Re the May 21 article DCF deemed boy safe before he was left in vehicle: It’s unbelievable that the Department of Children & Families would do absolutely nothing about a woman who reportedly was drunk and driving, hitting walls and passing out while her young son was in the car untethered. 1369259411

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