(Open letter to President Bush)

We are a group of concerned sixth-graders. When we think about American troops in Iraq, we feel frightened, angry and sad. That's why we believe all American troops must return from Iraq immediately. Let us explain why.

The first reason we feel strongly that American troops should come home is that we value life. It is extremely sad to see young American men and women giving up their lives for what we consider not a good enough reason. But they aren't the only people dying. Innocent children are dying. How can we feel good about that?

The second reason we feel strongly about this is we're not convinced there were good enough reasons for this war. It is disturbing to us that we started this war. Usually we help other countries in trouble. Usually we go to aid the peace process, but this time we went and bombed them out of the blue. Iraq didn't bomb the twin towers and we never found weapons of mass destruction. We've got Saddam Hussein, so why are we still there?

Some people would say if we remove the troops, terrorists will organize, get strong and attack us. Others say we have to stay to stop the kidnapping. But we say you can't kidnap us if we aren't there. And if terrorists plan to attack us, let's have our troops here to protect us.

In conclusion, we want strongly to restate our position that American troops must be brought home from Iraq. We value life and we love our country. Let's spend our money and energy protecting our own land and investing in America's future! Us kids.

Alex Howard

Nick LaBombarda

Jocelyn Satterberg

Sean Brown

Los Gatos

Father upset over mayor's decision not to read names

The planners of the July 4th event on the high school grounds did well by getting the San Jose musicians as their cornerstone presentation. They were spectacular. Their rendition of the "1812 Overture" was as good as I've heard.

Some of us were there to receive recognition for those currently serving in the military. That part of the event didn't come off as we had been led to believe in the invitation. The playing of the military anthems was especially well done, and the announcer's expressions of gratitude for those who now serve or have served was thoughtful.

I was disappointed in the manner in which Steve Glickman explained why what we had been told in our invitation was so different from his explanation. He placed the blame on others for poor communications and that there was never the intent to recognize individuals, even if it had been discussed. After listening to him and asking my questions, he turned it into a discussion of political ideologies and told me I was not listening to what he was saying and he didn't need to explain anything further to me.

He had turned it into a statement of his politics, not an expression of appreciation for those who serve our nation in a time of war, which we had been led to believe. I really hate it when politicians talk down to citizens. He later gave us a community medal in honor of our son's service as a U.S. Marine.

There were many others in the community who were likewise confused by the difference between our invitations and reception. I guess Glickman can do whatever he wants as mayor of Los Gatos, but blaming others and talking down to a citizen are unacceptable. If Glickman can't get off his political bias, he doesn't deserve to be responsible for an event that is supposed to honor the country.

Bill Ferguson

Monte Sereno

Mayor defends
his position,
supports troops

Concerns have been raised about our recent Fourth of July celebration. As mayor, I must address those concerns.

First and foremost, speaking for myself and the town of Los Gatos, the men and women serving our country in the military, who put themselves in harm's way to protect us and our democratic ideals, and their families, have our unqualified support, respect, honor and appreciation.

To show that support, some local citizens suggested that a ceremony honoring local service members and families be added to the schedule of events, during the short break in the concert on the high school lawn. Unfortunately, the request came long after the program for the day was finalized and arrangements had been made that could not be suddenly changed.

Many components, such as our agreement with the symphonic band, which specified set times for each part of the concert, could not be changed at the last minute to accommodate reading all the names on a list of local service members, presenting medallions and giving every honoree present an opportunity to speak.

Also, we had no time to verify the list of names or that all those listed had agreed to have their names used. For example, I was disappointed that a family member, a major in the Army Reserve who was called to active duty, was not on the list. For some of the time between renting out their home and when he had to report, he and his family lived here with my wife and I, so I think they should have qualified.

I was also concerned by the strong emotions expressed by some of the individuals who proposed these ideas because we could not do exactly what was requested.

For the sake of the service members and families, who were always our highest priority, we did all we could to fulfill their expectations. At the break, I invited the vice mayor of Monte Sereno to join me at center stage, where we reminded everyone present that we were enjoying the wonderful day thanks to the sacrifices made by the men and women in our armed services. I also invited all present to join us at the booth during the second half of the concert for the ceremony honoring our service members and their families.

At that ceremony, the vice mayor of Monte Sereno and I presented the medallions and spoke and took pictures with each service member and family member present.

I deeply regret that some invitees were disappointed that the event did not take place as they had been told to expect. On behalf of the town, we did all we could to fulfill their expectations and affirm, as I said earlier, our unqualified support, respect, honor and appreciation.

Steve Glickman

Mayor, Town of Los Gatos

Bad choice by
the mayor in
election year

I think that the conduct of Mayor Glickman toward Operation Yellow Ribbon was atrocious—the Fourth of July is about celebrating the freedom of our country. This freedom was handed to us by soldiers and is maintained by soldiers, sometimes at the cost of their lives.

The reading of names of members of our community serving overseas should have been front and center, not conducted on the side like some backroom political deal.

Mayor Glickman can be assured that my failure to read his name the next time it's on the ballot will be a political statement.

Dennis McCarney

Los Gatos

Saddened by
mayor's choice
not to read names

I was appalled and saddened when I heard that Mayor Glickman refused to read the names of our local servicemen and women who are currently serving our country to protect freedom. July 4th is about our freedom, not politics. Supporting the men and women who are our children, friends and neighbors is the right thing to do on any day and certainly is appropriate for a local Independence Day celebration.

It has also come to my attention that Mayor Glickman refuses to sign the commendations from the town that are normally presented to recipients of the Eagle Scout award. This, too, is not about politics but about supporting dedication and hard work. Perhaps the mayor might want to consider his actions. While these things should not be about politics, in this case, as it is an election year, perhaps they will be.

Michelle Nelson

Los Gatos

It's just another
case of NIMBY
on Wedgewood

[Mark] Medalie recently wrote of the traffic on Wedgewood Avenue generated by the La Rinconada Country Club. Most of us have similar traffic on our streets that we would love to direct elsewhere—another case of NIMBY (not in my back yard).

The neighbors on Wedgewood are fortunate, I believe, to have greenery to view instead of condos or other housing that would generate its own traffic. Perhaps Mr. Medalie failed to observe when he moved there that the private club was there and had been in business there since the late 1920s, long preceding the building of homes on Wedgewood. Likewise, residents choose a narrow street with no sidewalks, etc.

Just as one would expect when buying across from a railroad track or fire station that those locations would create nonresidential types of traffic, so failing to notice an existing neighboring business, with its attendant comings and goings, is a failure, not of the business, but of the new homeowner.

As to the private club providing no recreation for town residents, I believe such facilities are available, as is Courtside and other private facilities, to any resident who wishes to invest in a membership, assessments and ongoing dues. Making the club a "good neighbor" is an issue constantly brought to the attention of the membership and efforts are routinely made to ensure that our neighbors' rights are respected.

Shirley Stanger

Los Gatos