Readers' solutions for the Iraq war

Last week, we asked how YOU would solve the crisis in Iraq and the Middle East. We received a letter from Roger Maillard saying we should use a statement from the Vietnam war: "Just declare victory and bring our troops home." Then again, he remembered the "Mission Accomplished" banner, and says, "Maybe next war."

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Bob Moore feels that the second we leave, the government there will disappear and a probable extremist Islamic based group will take over. He feels we should leave anyway, since we have lots of things to fix here. "And it is possible to make friends with your enemies. Remember Vietnam and 50,000-plus casualties, anyone?"

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John Childress thinks that talking about what is wrong is part of the problem, if you are not part of a solution. He feels a lot of what is happening in Iraq is the result of the British leaving them in World War I with an artificial country made up of the Sunni, Shiites and Kurds. There was much infighting until a strong leader emerged and kept them under control ... i.e., Saddam Hussein (columnists' note: "as it was in Yugoslavia under Marshall Tito."). It is his understanding that the Kurds have set up a series of controls at the edges of their territory and won't let the Sunni or Shiite refugees in without registering at the border, and that maybe we should support them in establishing their own country. He would leave the Sunnis and the Shiites to work out their own differences, which, in turn, would probably require a mediator ("not the U.S."). But, at least it's a start to a very complicated question.

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We would begin with a conclave of all the moderate Muslims in the world to urge them to intervene with the extremist groups to end their jihad against everyone who doesn't believe as they do. If they continue to fight, then it's the duty of the rest of the Muslim world to initiate its own sanctions (i.e., no more money, no more food, no more weapons, etc.), or not complain when we take them out completely. It's the old "put up, or shut up" theory. Since the United States lacked an "exit strategy" for Iraq after we invaded, it's time to look for some outside help.

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"A mother was concerned about her son Timmy's safety while walking to school. So she wouldn't seem overly protective, she asked her neighbor, Shirley Goodnest, to watch him when he walked that way. Since Mrs. Goodnest walked her toddler, Marcy, every morning, she said it would be no problem and would follow him to make sure he got there OK. A few days later, Timmy's friend Joey, who walked with him, asked, "Do you know who that lady is who's been following us all week?" "Yes," says Timmy. "That's Shirley Goodnest and her daughter, Marcy." "Well, why are they following us?" asked Joey. Timmy explained, "Every night, my mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, and it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life,' so I guess I'll just have to get used to it." (Thanks to Carolyn and DeeAnn for these holy words.)

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Catholic Charities, through Father Hanley and St. Teresa's, has given FISH a check for $8,000 to help with the Ross Clinic, a free clinic that helps those who have no insurance or cannot afford a doctor. Thanks to them for helping out a great cause. And get-well wishes to Kelli's mom, Lorraine Dufresne (Claire, K's aunt, is just fine, we're glad to find out), Monte Fast and Bob Crowell. And to Steve (hi, guys): the answer is "Michael Clarke Duncan starred in 'The Green Mile' with Tom Hanks."

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John DeVon sent us the following prayer (we always need one): "I want to thank you, Lord, for being close to me so far this day. With your help, I have not been impatient, I have not lost my temper, I have not been grumpy or judgmental, nor have I been envious of anyone. But Lord, I will be getting out of bed any moment now, and I think I will need your help then. Amen."

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And now, a mystery: Sheila Byington, of Minden, has come across some photos taken by a Minden photographer who moved to Colorado. They are of the family that appeared on "Extreme Makeover" a couple of years ago that lived in Carson City. They are twin sisters. One of whom (we think) was a beautician; the other, a pet groomer. Would anyone know how to contact them and tell them to contact us through the Nevada Appeal so that she can get their pictures to them? Let us know, and thanks.

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Pete Domenici, senator from New Mexico, has a bill before Congress that would start shipping nuclear waste to Nevada in 2010, seven years ahead of schedule. Hey, if he's so hot to trot, why doesn't he dump it in New Mexico? That would solve all our problems.

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Seeliger's annual "Pumpkin Patch" will be this Saturday at the school (283-2280) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fun for all and a great way to start the Halloween season. Also on Saturday, at the Brewery Arts Center will be John Tyson and Larry Maurice with an evening of music and cowboy poetry. Call 883-1976 for time, tickets and details.

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Especially for all you voters from Maxine: "They hold elections in November because it's the best time for picking out a turkey." Tsk, tsk ...

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Flu shots will be given at Raley's tomorrow, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. (call 882-3116 for details). The government says there will be enough to go around this year, but we suggest you get them now to get a jump on the season.

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Everyone should plan to see "I'm Sorry The Bridge Is Out, You'll Have To Spend The Night," Carson High's performing arts and Capitol Stars fall musical on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Community Center. It's lots of fun and features all your favorite ghoulies (Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman and others). Call 887-0438 for spooky details. And come in costume for discounts and prizes...

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Ben Grissom tells us about Sara, the church gossip. "Seems Sara was the self-appointed monitor of the church's morals and stuck her nose into other people's business. She accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic because she'd seen his old pickup parked in front of a bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George, and anyone who'd listen, about seeing it there and what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and walked away. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Sara's house, walked home, and left it there all night. You gotta love George."

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.