Madam, - As an American holidaying with my wife in north-west Ireland, I find that your newspaper, along with news from England and the Continent, has helped refresh our impression of world opinion.
Back in the US we are reminded daily by the administration of the "international war on terrorism" in which we are engaged. Like a cry early in American history, "Remember the Alamo", 9/11 is used as a weapon to test patriotism. It has truly been refreshing to be here.
Most US citizens don't hear the news the way your readers hear it. For instance, The Irish Times or the BBC don't talk about America's invasion of Iraq as an international war on terrorism. There are quite a few people in America who believe that, through a legitimate political process, a group which believes it is okay to kill in the name of spreading democracy around the world is driving the American political system.
When US citizens are told about questionable methods being employed on their behalf, the current administration goes after the source - newspapers like the New York Times - as if they are villains, aiding the enemy simply by printing what the administration is doing. And when some European "ex"-ally of the US disagrees with Bush policy the right-wing radio starts hammering them as well.
The group running Washington, known as "neocons," is brilliant at subterfuge and smokescreens, and they have succeeded in advancing their version of the truth. They have usurped and politicised the values supported by the Christian right. Yes, this can happen in a democracy, when an administration owns all three branches of government and there are no democratic checks and balances other than the press. And it gives further reason for concern when pressrooms across the US become afraid to say what is really happening. It is refreshing to see a fairer and balanced coverage of events.
An opinion piece by Denis Staunton entitled "Don't Blame Jews for US policy in Middle East" caught my eye recently (The Irish Times, July 29th). While the statistics Mr Staunton gives are correct, I think they could give your readers a false impression. There are lots to worry about regarding the American right, but please don't confuse American support for Jews "from the left of the Democratic Party to the Republican right" with support for killing civilians to gain negotiating leverage.
That is the antithesis of what created strong support for Jewish people in America. But it is precisely that strong sentiment that the administration is taking advantage of in order to pursue its objectives.
The current US administration is brilliant at manipulating core human beliefs; and American support for the philosophy behind Jewish state is one of the strongest. - Yours, etc,
DALE LUDWIG, c/o Bridge End, Ramelton, Co Donegal.