I have to say that the author’s illustration on the differences between Paul’s position and that of Santorum’s was stupid. Clearly Mr. Stewart agrees with Ron Paul, and thereby views Santorum’s position as stupid. Yet this is merely an ad hominem (and stupid) attack. Nowhere is there any indication of why Senator Santorum is wrong (and being stupid) in this article.

Clearly these men have a difference of opinion on how the term “at war” is to be applied in our relationship with Iran. Senator Santorum’s view seems to be that our intrusion/support in removing the shah is not an act of war, while [Rep.] Paul believes our actions in this arena are indeed an act of war. I believe both positions are simplistic (probably for the sake of a debate) …referring to this as war or not war. The politics of those events were extremely complicated, involving major British holdings in oil, changes in presidents and presidential policies in the U.S., the imposition of a pro-Nazi shah in 1941, the subsequent involvement of the Soviet Union, etc. Clearly Mr. Santorum’s position has some merit as the Islamist leadership that came about in 1979 was extremely anti-Western/U.S. from that time forward based upon religion and deep resentments … [T]he idea then that they were at war with us from that moment forward has merit. Paul’s position also has some merit in that our actions in working with the British did add to the anti-Western sentiments that were already in existence. But is this a beginning of “war”?

The author’s position of claiming that Senator Santorum was stupid, I believe is the most blatant example of stupidity to come from the article. I don’t believe either of the candidates was “stupid.” I believe that Paul’s position stems from a very strong libertarian/separatist philosophy, which has some merit (though I do not agree with its application), while Mr. Santorum stands as a strong defense hawk, which also shows much merit. Labeling one stupid, because you agree with the other, is the most vivid example of stupidity.

Adel Thalos

Hixson, Tenn.

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