Letters to the Editor: First Muslim democracy?

Face the Nation recently asked whether Syria might become the first real Arab Muslim democracy in the Middle East today (Dec. 8, 2024).

Probably not. Not even “democratic” Israel today is anywhere near an authentic democracy, nor is the United States, though our people regularly claim to have the same republican form of government the Founders originally set up.

Military and political leaders of the Syrian rebels will hang their hats on a form of government that will allow ambitious individuals to corner extraordinary power and wealth for themselves and to minimize those benefits for the people.

There will be no Mahatma Gandhi who will teach real self-determination to a classroom of all the people. There will be no George Washington who will voluntarily give up power after a relatively short term of office. But maybe there will be less chemical warfare directed against next-door neighbors.

Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross, Utah

Learning from the Times Pilot

We subscribe to the Storm Lake Times Pilot, New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly. All good publications! But your column describing your talk with the journalism students at your alma mater was as good or better than I’ve seen in a long time.

At our house we select clippings that get a refrigerator magnet. We didn't keep this one but sent it to my high school friend who lives in Hartford, Mass. He bought his home from a man who was a writer for both Atlantic and New Yorker.

You and your staff are good. Tom is teaching me about bankruptcy law and Dolores lets us see people like us.

Thanks for all you and others do to keep our heads clear in this difficult time.

Jack DePond, Leon

It all went up in smoke

Swiping Marlboros from your dad, eh? For me it was Winstons from my mom. When I quit drinking many moons ago I thought my tobacco habit might slough off as a bonus side effect, so closely linked were the two vices. But it didn’t. I continued to puff a pack per week since I kept craving a smoke after meals and as a nightcap at the end of a long day of whatever. Then about seven years ago I found out I was on the verge of grandfatherhood. The desire to hang around long enough to be remembered, fondly I hope, by our grandson was the kick in the butt it took for me to put out my last cigarette. Sometimes I’d still love another though. Yeah, a string of smoke rings like a wizard! 

Billy Collins wrote a great poem about cigarettes. But if you haven’t read it already you’d better not. 

Mike Wellman, Des Moines

Moved to tears

Happy Holidays!

I watched your documentary for extra credit in a college course. I don’t know if it's because I'm amenable, but I was moved a little to tears and inspired. Do you know that feeling after a movie in your teens where you take on a bit of the personality or tone of the protagonist? (Maybe, antagonist. I think I know many aspiring Gatsbys, Batemans, the likes).

Anyways, amenable or not, I was inspired and wanted to say thank you for all you do and all that you all have done. I am jealous of the close proximity you had with Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg.

Luisa Hutson, Nashville, Tenn.