This is in reply to Ms. Weber's letter, "PATRIOT Act should be rejected," saying that we need Congress to protect us and our civil liberties. Ms. Weber, you are one of the luckiest 292,000,000 people in the world, because you are living in the United States of America. I don't even have that honor until at least 2005 because of my current duties.

That privilege also makes you one of the most targeted people in this world. I know because I am targeted everywhere, whether it be Liberia, Iraq, Italy or Spain. You may criticize our leaders, but in all actuality you may not have the courage to make the decisions that they do—they deal with life or death decisions daily. I am on the receiving end and see it in my line of work. My father taught me the truest statement in this world, "If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes."

You should look into how terrorists operate. If you only knew the basics of how terrorists operate, you would support the PATRIOT Act and how it is meant to protect you more than hurt you. Terrorists operate without any concern for women or children, elderly and newborns alike. When they do plan to attack it will come swiftly, without much time between the planning and execution phases. Not to mention terrorists are trained to blend in with their environment, leaving little warning. Without the PATRIOT Act, police forces and Homeland Security Forces would be blind to fight terror on the home front.

The PATRIOT Act is just, because by the time a judge signed a subpoena the terrorist would accomplish his mission with more haste and more bloodshed. I personally would not want Los Gatos to be the next victim of terror. Criminals are held in jail without bail all the time, and it's usually the kind that commits only the most serious offenses in this world. With all due respect, I think you should investigate our enemies and how they operate. Don't forget to use your imagination, because you may not think it can happen, but after 9/11 we must leave no stone unturned.

—Tom C. Ferguson, Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps


Halloween program promotes witchcraft

Looking at the macabre picture on the front page of Saratoga News leads me to seriously question the warped logic of our school system. Witchcraft [or Wiccanism] is an ancient religion that is rapidly growing in the U.S. It has been estimated by some to be the fastest growing faith, particularly among youth. One survey indicates membership is currently doubling every 30 months in North America.

Few would dispute the origin of Halloween as a big celebration day on the pagan calendar, yet it is actively promoted by schools, particularly to young and more vulnerable age groups, for the whole month of October. Classwork frequently includes references to witchcraft and evil, and celebrations such as the one depicted in the Saratoga News are given high profile.

How is it that none of this falls foul of the "separation of church and state" concept? Schools seem to feel they have a duty to rigidly enforce exclusion of all references to a loving and merciful God, yet take delight in suggesting that cruelty and evil are fun.

—Fay Knight, Glasgow Drive


Blue Hills comes through for troops

On behalf of the Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter, I would like to thank the Blue Hills Elementary School students, parents, teachers, and staff for their fantastic effort in collecting items for care packages for our deployed U.S. service members. Not only did they meet their goal of 509 care packages (one from each student), they exceeded their goal of 509 handwritten letters and cards by 91, and also donated bulk goods! In all, the Blue Hills community will serve over 600 men and women.

We had a great time, and I believe that the children learned an important lesson about giving and sacrifice, so important during this time of Thanksgiving. We are proud of their success, and welcome other schools in the Saratoga community to join us in bringing a touch of home to those so far away, serving our country.

—Julie Demur, Red Cross Operation Care and Comfort


Library commission decision disappointing

The Saratoga Library Commission's decision to deny acceptance of the Willys Peck birthday bench is an incredibly poor decision. This gift from one of our best-known citizens and authors should be accepted with grace and honor. If it requires an exception for the sake of "precedence," surely this family deserves that from our civic community.

I am sadly, even bitterly, disappointed in the action and hope they will reconsider or let the city council override the decision.

—Gay and Roy Crawford, Aloha Avenue


Peck bench a unique gift for Saratoga

I am sure this is one of many letters you will receive regarding the Willys Peck 80th birthday library bench. What a great gift idea for a man who has demonstrated his love of the community, of research and history from books, and who writes columns and published books—a gift from his wife, Betty, who has shared his commitments, and has contributed to this community as a teacher, environmentalist and activist.

What a beautiful gift for his 80th birthday. Why wait to bestow a "memorial?" Just what is the library commission thinking? I can bet that Willys has enough sweaters and ties, already. Happy birthday, Willys. We look forward to reading many more Willys Peck columns.

—Bernard and Luanne Nieman, Padero Court