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November 1, 2002/Cheshvan 26 5763, Vol. 55, No. 10
Letters to the EditorNovember 1, 2002
Support for candidate CamachoEditor:I firmly believe that Randy Camacho is the right choice for U.S. congress, district 2. Although Camacho is not Jewish, he certainly is pro-Israel. Camacho maintains a very staunch position regarding terrorism and would like to see less dependency on Middle Eastern oil. Camacho is very concerned about the education of our children, seeing them as our leaders of tomorrow. In a recent forum at Arizona State University West, Camacho's opponent, Republican Trent Franks, explained his plan for education, comparing the educational system to the U.S. postal service. In doing so, he compared our children to packages that needed to be processed. Camacho spoke up and made it very clear to Franks that our children are not packages, but human beings, and that we must deal with the educational system in a method that allows us to treat our children as individuals and not as numbers. Camacho stands for integrity and honesty. He is truly the man who can best represent his constituents and serve us most effectively. Carlos E. Galindo Phoenix Disappointing stance on Prop 203Editor:I read your editorial urging support of Proposition 203. ("Propositions matter," Jewish News, Oct. 18) I was disappointed at your position, not because of your support, but because of the glaring inaccuracies in your editorial and the conflict of interest you failed to reveal to your readers. First of all, the proposition decriminalizes less than two ounces of marijuana, not more. Second, it is hard to understand your comment that "it is a red herring that this proposition would force the state to acquire and distribute marijuana" when that is specifically what the proposition requires. Even more disturbing is your failure to reveal that Paul Eckstein, one of your contributing editors and the husband of the publisher, has been retained as the attorney for the sponsors of Proposition 203. To editorialize without revealing this conflict is not only disingenuous journalism, but it does a disservice to your readers who have a right to expect candor. Lastly, I challenge you to name even one recognized Arizona medical organization that has recognized smoked marijuana as a medicine. Proposition 203 is a hoax supported by drug legalizers who hide behind the myth of "medical marijuana." Printing this letter will lend some balance to your newspaper. Barnett Lotstein Phoenix Editor's note: Missed opportunityEditor:If there were an award for "missed opportunity of the year," the Valley's Jewish community would have won it on Sunday, Oct. 6. That evening, the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix's Jewish Community Relations Council Candidates Forum attracted numerous candidates for statewide and congressional office: each came prepared to meet and speak to potentially hundreds of members of our community. JCRC and 26 cosponsoring agencies, organizations and congregations did our best to bring out our constituents. Our cumulative efforts were apparently met with apathy, indifference or both. A large crowd would have sent a powerful message that our Jewish community is engaged in the political process. The small number of attendees took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the candidates, probe their positions on issues and pose questions of particular relevance to our own community. We hope that the meager turnout did not compromise the credibility of those who lobby on behalf of the Arizona Jewish community. (The same event held eight years ago - also with a $10 charge, needed to supplement JCRC's limited event budget - drew 500 people.) If we are vigilant and proactive, we can still convey the message that our Jewish community is watchful, concerned and that we vote. Berry Sweet Chairwoman, JCRC government relations committee Judy Fineman Chairwoman, JCRC Candidates Forum Salmon speaks outEditor:During my years in public service, I have always stood with Israel and issues important to the Jewish community. I have personally met with Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. I have been to the Golan Heights, stayed on a kibbutz, met with settlers and prayed at the Wailing Wall. Jewish voters have always supported the values that I have tried to emphasize in my campaign - the importance of family, education and personal freedom. My personal faith has remained important to me throughout my career in public service, as has my belief in the importance of religious freedom. I have sponsored resolutions on the floor of the U.S. Congress supporting the right to worship according to the dictates of one's own conscience, and I will always stand up for that right. In the last year, I have been to countless synagogues and forums to discuss my views and listen to yours. In the last few weeks, I attended two debates hosted by Valley synagogues that my main opponent was too busy to attend. I want to make clear to the voters that I will never take them for granted. I have always supported the Jewish community, and I ask for your support. Matt Salmon Republican gubernatorial candidate Mesa
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