Quotes of the Day

Freedom and Safety
Re "Homeland Insecurity" [May 13]: Why are Americans so fearful of being watched? I believe it comes down to the interpretation of the rule of law. Many security laws in the U.S. are in place as a function of public safety, yet they are often set in stone. In Europe they are considered guidelines in which the first step is to educate transgressors of the reasoning behind statutes. Compliance is first sought through education. The police are very patient and are less likely to react solely on the basis of dispensing penalty. The cut-and-dry "it is the law" approach has a tendency to alienate the population and makes them suspicious of the police, causing the us-vs.-them attitude that perpetuates fear.
Ken Applegate,
Paris

In the dark world of modern-day law enforcement, where terrorist threats can hide behind our freedoms, there is a fierce contest between liberty and security. But one reality should not be forgotten: a person can enjoy freedom only if he or she is secure. So where lies the harm when government agencies are given new powers to counter the threat of foreign or homegrown terrorism?
Dilbag Rai,
Chandigarh, India

Considering the U.S. has been responsible for so much death and destruction in nations such as Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, it's surprising that there aren't more attacks against U.S. targets. Many in the global community are developing greater antipathy and disillusionment of what is increasingly perceived as American brutality and state-sponsored terrorism. Until a serious U.S. effort to seek justice for all people worldwide is made, the country will continue to encounter attacks, both at home and abroad.
John Macassey,
Whitianga, New Zealand

Intervention in Syria
Re "With or Without Us" [May 13]: Fareed Zakaria mentioned that in Lebanon, the Christian elite were "displaced through a bloody civil war that started in the 1970s and lasted 15 years." In reality, Lebanese Christians stood their ground and fought hard to maintain their identity. They were never driven out of the country. In fact, when the civil war ended, political life kick-started again: the prewar constitution was put back in place, and a Christian was democratically elected as President. This is still in force (the Lebanese President is a Maronite Christian) and will remain in force for future generations.
Samir M. Mokdad,
Beirut

I found Zakaria's commentary of utmost importance. The hope is that President Barack Obama will read it carefully and take note to keep his hands off Syria. That is equally the case when it comes to Israel.
Birger H. Bye,
Trondheim, Norway

Duck Tales
I was delighted to see an article on the Robertson clan and their Duck Dynasty saga ["Beards of Paradise," May 13]. Their products (and television program) are clearly irresistible to millions of fans, but I can also tell you that they have other unexpected uses. As concertmaster for a local orchestra, one of my duties is to tune the group before rehearsals. However, they are wont to be a bit noisy. How to get their attention? My Duck Commander caller has proved to be the answer. One loud quack and the group is alert and ready to go. Taming a gaggle of violins, violas and cellos is no small job, but it is made easier, thanks to a group of duck hunters.
Lorilea Jaderborg,
Hillerod, Denmark

Gun Advocacy
NRA boss Wayne Lapierre defends the right to bear arms while covertly thwarting true democratic freedom in the U.S. ["Sledgehammer for the Second Amendment," April 29 / May 6]. The scientific journal Nature reported on March 27 that the NRA and its proxies work to prevent any formal research on gun violence. As the Obama Administration argued, research on gun violence is "critical public-health research that gives all Americans information they need." Sensible policies need evidence-based research. In stymieing that research, LaPierre and the NRA reveal their true colors. Constitutional, or hypocritical?
Dennis P. Gordon,
Wellington, New Zealand