Readers criticize ‘anti-American bias’ in Hurricane Katrina disaster coverage
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for publishing my letter in your September 17 edition. I am perplexed, however, by your reply to the letters also published on the 17th. You mentioned that «it is sad that when we are critical of the US government this is easily interpreted as anti-US bias.» I believe that criticism is a good process. However, most of the domestic criticism has been politically motivated and propelled by the party that is currently out of power. There is always room for improvement. But when you editorialize and distort the facts, such as the USS Louisiana and the budget cuts, to suit your arguments, that is really «sad.» To use these distortions to bash the president is not credible journalism. Your readers deserve better. You may not intend to be biased anti-Americans but you definitely fan the flames of anti-Americanism with your rhetoric. TED SURDIS, San Francisco. I saw your reply to the US readers who are dismayed with your anti-American bias, and I was interested in one particular comment you made. Your reply states, «Nevertheless, it is sad that when we are critical of the US government this is so easily interpreted as ‘anti-US bias.’» Well, maybe you need to get some new material. Quit parroting the US media and have an opinion of your own. How’s that for an idea? It’s really simple to jump on the bandwagon and join the anti-American camp around the world. And here’s a newsflash for you! We even have people in our country (USA) who are anti-American. Wow! With most foreign countries, it boils down to jealousy of the USA. Our power, military, influence, wealth, medical breakthroughs etc. And, we know you all love to kick us when we’re down. And the funny thing is, I didn’t even vote for Bush. However, all this negative anti-American and Bush bias is making me wonder if I should look closer at the Republicans to see what they offer. RALPH LANDRY, Argyroupolis, Athens, Greece. I read the Dimitris Kastriotis commentary on «The Spirit of Social Darwinism» (15/9/2005) in the USA in the wake of Katrina which properly includes mention of «reforms» in Greece which «restrict the mechanisms of public and social support and aid.» The three letters which you published (September 17) from readers in the USA heavily critical of the commentary ignore the following concerns. When the USA provides aid to other countries in the world conditionalities are attached. Aid to the USA for victims of Katrina in various forms is now coming from European and other countries in the world. Which political and democratic conditionalities are attached to this aid? Are there guarantees of good governance from the USA? Are mechanisms in place to ensure the proper uses of aid and to prevent corrupt practices? Is there a hint at regime change? DAVID ALEXANDER, Tolo, Greece.
