To the editor,
The president top choice for head of the CIA, John Brennan, recently stated his support for drone warfare. He said it was a last resort; these targeted figures pose an imminent threat and must be eliminated immediately! There will be numerous deaths of civilians, but, that is what has to be done. Brennan also stated his concern about "water-boarding." — he didn't know if it worked or not. Absent was any restriction on its use.
Let's have a clean war, nobody gets their hands dirty. We can kill anyone with a push of a button, thousands of miles away. We can destroy people in several countries at the same time. Why arrest anyone, bring charges against them in a legal proceeding when we can pull the trigger getting it done without needless legality?
Water-boarding is torture, it has been for centuries. Here we are ready to confirm a man who has no objection to its use. Does this nonchalant attitude reflect the collective feeling of most people? We just don't care!
What has happened to is country in the last 10 years? Have we learned to tolerated criminal activities, turning a blind eye to what we, ourselves, have always deemed morally wrong. Is this the country I grew up in believing we were always, "the good guys?"
The country is "war weary." We have heard the same story over and over again. We even call it the Defense Department, implying we are on the run, just trying to protect ourselves: We do what we have to do! Isn't it past due that we realize what we see and hear are recited to keep us in a state of fear — that something terrible will happen, even though in the last decade not one American citizen has been killed by foreign terrorists!
The war industry has had its day. Their huge profits come out of our Medicare, Social Security, and other entitlement programs, as well as every worthwhile thing we need to do. We will continue to pay the bill for these so-called wars for the next 10 years or more. This country has been screwed — no matter how you phrase it! And we have let it happen by our inaction and gullibility!
When will we resolve to stop seeking out people to kill and bring all the troops home. We must vocalize our opposition to cruelty and callous, inhuman treatment of people in poor, defenseless countries, we have always claimed as our enemies. We can't use 9/11 as an excuse anymore!
Leon R. Albushies
Gilford

To the editor,
The Meredith Emergency Food Pantry would like to thank all of the churches, schools, organizations, banks, and all private individuals for their generous donations! These donations have been a huge help to us to get through the past holiday season. At this time our shelves are close to empty. We are in desperate need again to call on the community if at all possible to make a donation of monetary or non-perishable items. We are put in a position too have to purchase items to fulfill our needs. Because we have such a generous, supportive, community we purchase all of our needs locally to help support those that help us.
All donations may be dropped off at the Meredith Emergency Food Pantry from 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday.
Paul Rowley
Meredith Emergency Food Pantry

To the editor,
I have been in many cities in the United States, and am mad and ashamed of the examples of flying our flag that I have encountered. I don't know if people don't know how to properly fly Old Glory, or if they just don't care.
I appreciate that folks want to show their patriotism by flying our flag, but, if it's not done properly and with respect, it's better to not do it at all. We have enough people desecrating our flag all over the world, so that we shouldn't contribute to it!
I have seen torn, faded and ragged flags being flown in all kinds of foul weather, and being left flying all night. If you don't know how to properly display our flag, or how to properly dispose of ragged, worn out flags, please contact your local VFW or American Legion.
A Proud American Veteran,
John C. Richards, Sr.
Laconia

To the editor,
On what would have been Granny D's 103rd birthday, more than 80 people gathered in Keene at the college's Redfern Center for the Arts to celebrate and remember our Laconia-born activist-heroine who walked across the country for campaign finance reform in her 89th and 90th years. Our hosts, P.A.C.E. and C.O.D., both supported by Granny D, arranged that we'd see and hear Barbara Bates-Smith, an award-winning off-Broadway and touring actor, play the role of Granny D — reading and reciting from memory parts of the accounts in "You're Never Too Old to Raise a Little Hell", as well as in the new "My American Century". When Ms. Bates-Smith stood before us and became Granny D reacting to the Citizens United case and spoke Granny D's words about that, said at her 100th birthday in Gov. Lynch's reception room, I newly caught sight of Granny D's sparkling determination. The accompanying music by Jeff Sebens added to the treat.
Granny D told us what we must do. It cannot stand, that corporations are people. I know that Public Citizen has taken initial steps to achieve a constitutional amendment about that. Public Citizen, here I come. Time to work with you on this.
Keene's Mayor Lane read Gov. Hassan's proclamation that January 24, 2013, is Granny D Day, followed by others — Sen. Molly Kelly read the N.H. Senate proclamation; Rep. Chuck Weed read the N.H. House proclamation; Rep. Bob Perry read Congresswoman Shea-Porter's appreciation of Granny D; Regina Bringolf read Sen. Shaheen's appreciation; Ruth Meyer read Sen. Feingold's appreciation.
This inspirational afternoon ended with Granny D's band Tattoo leading us in song and playing us out of the theater and away to the room with grand chocolate birthday cake and video of Granny D at work, speaking and walking and smiling.
May Granny D's spirit enter all who are ready to work for our democracy. Look at the website for Coalition for Open Democracy.
Lynn Rudmin Chong
Sanbornton