Clinton can set it right

To the editor -- The former first lady of the United States of America, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is the one who can restore all that has been lost with the current administration.

We need to be the strongest because we know that we are one of the best and most generous. Whenever there is a disaster, we are the first to respond. We cannot respond if we can't even take care of our own. We have lost respect throughout the world. Mrs. Clinton can put America back on track, if that is what you want. That is what I want. Let's go for the one we know can do the job. Not for the one that we think is going to do the job.

I don't know much about Sen. Barack Obama, so I'm not going to say anything either way. Except that as the saying goes: Tell me who you're with and I'll tell you who you are and where you are headed.

JIM ESPINOZA Jr.

Yakima

What's the big deal?

To the editor -- A comment regarding the polygamy and underage issue in Texas. I can't believe that there aren't minors in Yakima County and elsewhere who have relationships and children with much older men. Why aren't their children being placed in foster care? If it is only the polygamy at issue, why are the children being taken from their mothers?

Even if it is illegal, why should I care if someone is in a polygamous relationship? I don't choose to be in a polygamous relationship, but then again, I don't choose to be in a homosexual relationship, but I don't mind if you are.

MICHELLE CRAM

Outlook

Everybody wake up!

To the editor -- I can't believe what's going on. People in the land of opportunity are losing their homes. Many people can't afford a home or rent; the prices are out of sight. Many people can't afford gas or health care. The oil companies just keep on rubbing our noses in it by saying how much money they make each quarter. What's it going to take for people to say enough is enough?

I'm just an average person. I have worked hard all my life to raise my kids and just have a nice, average house, and it's getting so that eating and utilities are going to be a luxury.

Presidential candidates talk about everything but what is really happening. Maybe it's not in their backyard, so it doesn't exist. Also we vote things down and politicians find loopholes and ways around the issues anyway. People talk and vote and they just do their own thing anyway. What's it going to take for people to wake up? Things are not working. We give aid to all these countries when we can't take care of the people here at home. I can't believe that I'm the only person with these thoughts and feelings.

MARCIA MAXSON

Selah

Courtroom circus

To the editor -- Re: James Hovis' April 27 letter, "Judge deserves better place." Not all people choose their career based on money. I chose my career because I like what I am doing, not just for the money.

Recently my wife and I went through a two-plus week custody case. The court system is an absolute circus and disgrace to the judicial system, at least in this particular courtroom. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that a judge would let this type of Jerry Springer craziness into a courtroom. Not only did he allow it, he joined in on it and helped promote it.

So to say we are not paying a judge enough is a joke; if a judge cannot control the courtroom, he or she should not be a judge in the first place.

ZARIO ZIGLER

Yakima

'Ghost Mountain Boys'

To the editor -- I just finished reading a book, not just a book, a war story that has rarely been told. It's "The Ghost Mountain Boys," by James Campbell.

Campbell's book tells of the 32nd Division's epic march and terrifying battle for New Guinea, which the Japanese wanted for its strategic position. In 1942, Campbell describes New Guinea as "an inhospitable, cursorily mapped, disease-ridden island of dense jungle, towering mountain peaks, deep valleys and fetid swamps." The Ghost Mountain Boys, composed of National Guardsmen from Michigan and Wisconsin, were ordered to march 130 miles over the Owen Stanley mountains to protect the right flank of the Australian Army as they fought to push the Japanese back to the village of Buna on New Guinea's North Coast.

I had family that was with them. I won't go any further: Go to the library and check out "The Ghost Mountain Boys."

LILLIAN WILLIAMS

Yakima