LETTERS: War files, Arizona law, stadium food ...

Release of war files draws critics, debate

For the enemies of our country and their efforts, the leaked documents regarding the U.S. mission in Afghanistan represent an unprecedented intelligence coup ["A window on the fog of war," Opinion, July 27].

While I will readily agree that a government should keep a minimum of secrets, this old conservative dog has a hard time with hackers and journalists who sell out their country with a pep in their step and a glide in their stride.

Fortunately for them, this old dog has no teeth.

Charles R. Cronin Jr.

Lawrence

Those responsible for posting the sensitive military reports concerning the war in Afghanistan and Iraq should be arrested and jailed for aiding and abetting al-Qaida and the Taliban. They say they're doing the world a favor by posting this classified information when indeed they mean our sworn enemies.

Those responsible are nothing more than enemy combatants, plain and simple. I'm for freedom of speech and the press, but I draw the line when it puts our brave servicemen and women directly in the line of fire.

Herb Stark

Massapequa

The released documents tell of special forces searching and killing enemy leaders. Doesn't anyone remember we did the very same thing in Vietnam?

Then as now, we had to deal with a corrupt local government. Then as now, the U.S. military believed that throwing away the lives of more young Americans would somehow "win" us the war. Let's say we do win the war in Afghanistan. Then our enemies hide in Yemen. After we win the war in Yemen, then they go to Somalia. After Somalia, then where?

Our current strategy is wrong. We haven't learned from past mistakes. I say we should bring the troops home now. As a senior, I don't want my grandchildren getting killed just so some general gets another star!

Edward J. Thompson

Farmingdale

Alas, the Afghanistan intelligence leak of top secret plans isn't too intelligent. After all, it could postpone the end of war.

Only after American troops withdraw from Afghanistan and we lay groundwork for postwar Afghanistan can we arrive at a more lasting verdict on the resolution.

Susan Marie Davniero

Lindenhurst

Effective immediately, a president with any semblance of understanding history, and any sort of compassion for those innocent people caught in the web of the quagmire, would give the executive order to remove each and every soldier from Afghanistan.

This disaster has gone on for more than nine years. The release of these documents, despite the president's assertion that they reveal no new information, is another indication of the ongoing nightmare.

Bob Carnesi

North Babylon

Ire for judge's ruling on immigration law

Judge Susan Bolton's ruling in the Arizona immigration law case is an utter disgrace ["Snag in immigration law," News, July 29].

She depicts the task of enforcing illegal immigration as being in the hands of the federal government, when it in fact chooses do to nothing.

Allan Mallett

East Northport

Stadium food woes made worse by rules

The problem of health violations at local stadiums and arenas is exacerbated by the fact that most no longer allow people to bring their own food to the events ["Fan-food problems," News, July 27]. Since fans are unable to bring a simple sandwich to a game, we are forced to spend exorbitant amounts of money on disgusting, unhealthy food. I no longer attend events at those venues.

Sheldon Ehrenreich

West Hempstead

Ruling not so appy for iPhoners after all

The article regarding the Library of Congress' jailbreaking decision is very misleading ["Appy news for iPhone owners," News, July 27].

While the Library of Congress ruled that jailbreaking - unlocking cell phones to use applications not authorized by their phone company - is not a violation of copyright, it is still a violation of Apple's terms of service and will violate the device's warranty. Users still jailbreak at their own risk despite the judgment.

Eli Kozin

Merrick

Wrangle over Rangel exposes pols' aims

The article "Rangel pressed on ethics deal" [News, July 27], is a clear example of corruption between the Republicans and Democrats. Democratic aides were worried about the fallout if Rangel does not give in and play "Let's make a Deal." Republicans were making plans on the information they can use against the Democrats if Rangel stays in Congress.

This is a sad commentary on how the laws of our country can be used by individuals who should be held to a higher standard. It's a joke to actually lay out how our politicians are planning to handle these issues. To top it off, the great lame-duck governor of the state of New York gives his full-throated supported to Mr. Rangel.

Lenny Shaw

Long Beach

Let's see how fair our taxing system is in the case of Rangel. I believe he will once again maneuver himself out of any penalties because he is a member of the governing class, who are above the law.

His silver-tongued rhetoric has got him re-elected because he knows how to work the crowd. My own experience over 30 years ago with the IRS is what Charlie should be put through. I was given poor advice by my accountant and underpaid my tax obligation, for which I paid dearly. Let's see how Rangel is treated.

Leo Fox

Melville