Iraq mistakes are Bush's
To the Editor:
I agree with Michelle Dubert ("Losing patience with Kerry's many stances," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 10/07/04) that it will be difficult under any administration to convince foreign nations to come to the aid of the U.S. forces in Iraq. This difficulty exists not, however, because they are offended that John Kerry has demeaned their contributions thus far; it exists because the war is a lethal quagmire. U.S. casualties are growing every month, and Iraqi civilians, including many children, are being attacked with increasing frequency and violence. The first Japanese troops to enter a country with active fighting since World War II have largely retreated into their base, and the International Herald Tribune reported last Monday that Poland's contingent, much-touted by the president, will be withdrawn from Iraq next year.
It is an odd time for Dubert's "patience" to expire with regard to Sen. Kerry, as each day also brings fresh evidence that we need a regime change of our own. Last Sunday's chilling New York Times story on the mishandling and blatant inflation of evidence regarding the potential nuclear threat posed by Iraq indicted Condoleezza Rice, George Tenet and other top officials, but more tellingly revealed a culture where an ideological agenda would never yield to stubborn facts.
Newspapers have brought confirmation, in the form of a report by the top American inspector for Iraq, that Iraq's nuclear threat, which Rice conflated with the image of a mushroom cloud, was nonexistent. The question stands: Which has been the greater mistake, misspeaking on Iraq, or invading it?
Nick Ryan
College '05
Make your voice heard
To the Editor: Wanted: All registered voters at the University of Pennsylvania. Your country needs you to participate in democracy. The presidency of the United States may be decided by your vote.
Issues like Iraq, the economy, health care and Social Security may not seem relevant to your life today, but they will have a very real effect on you, your friends and your family for years to come. Unfortunately, young adults often do not take the time to exercise their right to vote. In fact, in 2000, only 36 percent of eligible 18- to 24-year-olds in Pennsylvania voted, compared to a national average of 42 percent. It is time to change those numbers for the better. You can do that by voting on Nov. 2, 2004. Your vote is your voice. Make it heard on Election Day.
The Pennsylvania Department of State wants to help you exercise your vote. As part of our groundbreaking "Ready, Set, Vote" initiative, we developed a student Voter's Guide. You can find the guide on our online voter information center at www.votespa.com. It is filled with information on voting procedures. You can also call our voter information hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
If you are a first-time voter or are voting at a polling place for the first time, please remember to bring identification with you. Approved identification forms range from a driver's license to a current bank statement. If you cannot produce identification or your name is not on the voter list, request a provisional ballot. Complete details on these procedures can be found in our Voter's Guide at www.votespa.com.
If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, your county board of elections must receive your application by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, and you must return your absentee ballot to your county board of elections by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. For an absentee ballot application and county contact information visit www.votespa.com.
Every election is important. But you must vote on Nov. 2 to make sure your voice is heard. Polls open at 7 a.m. More importantly, they are open until 8 p.m., in case you sleep in.
Pedro Cortes
The writer is the secretary of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
