The recent TV broadcast where President Obama goes to the defense of building a mosque at ground zero, citing the Constitution, reminded me of a scene from “The Godfather” where a congressman or senator, I forget which, ticked off the Godfather, was abducted and then subjected to convincing atrocities.

Next scene, the contrite representative, at a hearing investigating Mafia influences, rises to defend his friends, vilifying the hearing.

In my opinion, the White House TV broadcast, attended by many Muslims and broadcast throughout the Muslim world, was just such an appeasement, a capitulation.

Teddy Roosevelt was right. When dealing with our enemies, “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

It is time to use the stick.

Albert Grandmaison, Lewiston


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