Isn’t it time?

I don’t know when I last became so excited about a NUVO article, referring to “Soldier For Peace” (Cover, April 7-14). Carl Rising-Moore has given me renewed hope for us self-centered Americans, and “narrow-minded” Hoosiers. I am sure that this extraordinary man’s life will continue to be very interesting as he attempts to un-brainwash the independent minds of this Midwestern pro-war stronghold with its almost sacred macho attitudes.

It has always struck me as ironic that Indiana, which is such a grass-roots area of Christianity, should be so very slow in applying “Thou Shall Not Kill” to their attitudes toward war. Not only is war an incredibly horrible and old fashioned way of “getting what we want,” but it is the ultimate no-brainer. It doesn’t work! At least, there is no advantage for the American citizens or for the citizens of the countries that we war against. The advantages go only to our elected “Masters” who tell is when we must fight and die, yet expect us to never question or resist their decisions.

Mr. Rising-Moore gives me much hope because I also know what I have experienced during my many years here. I have seen the avid patriotism and bravery in our Hoosier folk. I believe we will come to listen, and learn how badly used and abused by our governments we have been for a long time. I believe we will choose to use our bravery for fighting, not unholy wars as in the past, but grass-roots non-violent “wars” of peace. Isn’t it time? There is so much potential power for good here, waiting to be unleashed. It can, indeed, be like waking “a sleeping tiger,” for the good of all.

Jude Burkett
Indianapolis

Excellent article, Dave, on the NUVO edition of April 7 (Hoppe, “Is It Worth It?”). Our nation did not receive the international community backing for the illegitimate invasion of a foreign country under the misleading and doctored intelligence of the so called “WMDs” in Iraq. Our domestic priorities, ie, health care, investments in our public health institutions, public schools, libraries, infrastructures, are being neglected for the benefit of Halliburton, Bechtel corporation, Texaco, Shell. This November, we have a duty to register and demand a real regime change at home.

Gus Younger
Indianapolis

You can certainly tell it is an election year. Everyone is searching for every stone thrown in the last three and a half years to see what sins they can dig up on each other. One of the biggest stones over turned is the Sept. 11 controversy. I simply cannot believe that any sitting president would knowingly ignore threats or intelligence that would lead to thousands of innocent people being injured or killed senselessly.

I think George W. Bush has shown us how much he deeply cares for this country and all of us that live here. You cannot convince me for one minute that he knowingly turned the other cheek on this issue. When are we going to stop being so naive and high and mighty and think that just because we live in this country we are untouchable?

I think that the president and his administration are really trying to do right by all of us. I feel safe and can sleep well at night knowing that President Bush is watching out for me and my family. I think we all just need to calm down and look at what is real and what is absurd!

Wendy Manubay
Indianapolis

I know that Iraq is better off without Saddam Hussein, but removing him from power was never the reason for a “preemptive” war.

The American people and the world were told of imminent danger, a progressing nuclear program and stockpiles of chemical and nerve agents. To date, we’ve found exactly nothing, and I don’t think it’s from a lack of looking either.

There sure were intelligence breakdowns, and who’s ultimately to blame? Look no further than George W. Bush, who still has yet to account for his miscalculations and rush to war.

Darrell House
Wilkinson

On the anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War, we should all remember the more than 500 families of American soldiers who have lost a loved one.

We also should not forget that the Bush Administration rushed us into this conflict without an exit strategy or the help of the international community. We should not forget that the Bush Administration told the world that Saddam had stockpiles of chemical weapons, nerve agents, mobile WMD labs and the delivery systems to strike our allies. We should not forget that this administration told us there was an imminent threat to American lives. We should not forget that al Qaeda, not Saddam, was behind the Sept. 11 attacks.

As Americans, we need to hold President Bush accountable for misinformation and find out with certainty if this administration deliberately misled us.

Michael Collins
Indianapolis

Quite frequently, I am disturbed by the fashion articles in the Indianapolis newspapers. Almost every article I read has either been about two seasons behind focusing on trends, or much too geared towards classics, which are always in style.

Indianapolis has so much potential for its own style. Articles need to help others foster their own creative fashion sense and not lead them into lagging trends or back into their comfort zones. Style comes naturally to some people and to others it does not. If you are one who cares enough to ask for help, turn to a friend whose style you admire and ask.

I have three tips for style-conscious Hoosiers:

1. It is difficult to find clothing in Indianapolis that is not worn by a thousand other people, so make use of the Internet! Shopping is much easier than it used to be. Often it is cheaper and you’ll have something you can be proud of. Make sure to take your measurements beforehand. Most Internet retailers will have size guides, so match up before you purchase anything to eliminate the hassle of having to return something for fit.

2. Fashion magazines are designed to be guides but are not the be-all-end-all. Find your own look and run with it, updating as you go.

3. Check the thrift stores. Looks are recycling so quickly these days that you can find fantastic items for very cheap. If it worked for someone it may work for you, too. Be careful though — you need discriminating tastes for this one! If you can’t do it alone, bring that stylishly innovative friend along with you.

When you take risks, you are bound to bomb out every once in a while, but for the most part, you gain respect, pride and a fantastic sense of self. Developing your own sense is difficult and may take some time, but be patient and creative. Stylish Indy, join me in bringing us up to date and making fashion sense another of the many things we can be proud of!

Kate Forrest
Indianapolis

I enjoyed your article on baseball (Hammer, “R.I.P. Baseball,” April 7-14). Another factor in my personal abandonment of the game is the time; “way back when” a game took about 2:10, now the games take nearly three hours on average. My brain processes this a couple ways.

1) Baseball is not action-packed to begin with so the extra 45 minutes just makes the game more boring.

2) The extra 45 minutes is largely the result of added commercials. I resent having to watch that much advertising to see a game. Same thing goes with NFL football — a game broadcast in the ’60s took two hours and change, that’s up to three hours and change now, because of the added commercials.

And I don’t know anyone who subscribes to The Star. Hell, the thing’s online, why pay ?

William Rainsberger
Indianapolis