To the editor:

In reply to Dana Dyer’s letter of April 22. For the record, I am neither Jewish nor Muslim nor a member of any Palestinian or Jewish group. I’m a veteran who has seen too many dead children to believe any more political rhetoric, regardless who’s speaking.

There will be no peace in the Middle East until both sides want peace more than they want war. The reasons for the war are many: ethnic pride, religious bias, trained-from-birth hatred are but small parts of an extremely complicated situation that has been simmering for decades and longer. Neither side has a monopoly on righteousness, stupidity, arrogance, bravery, heroism or cowardice. Both sides are equally right AND wrong and only both sides, acting together, can stop the violence.

To call answers to Mr. Hautmann’s venom “hate-mail” clearly shows a bias and prejudice that blinds you to the reality of the situation. I read every letter written in response to that hate-filled diatribe of Mr. Hautmann’s and somehow missed the “hate” parts you mentioned. I also failed to read any defense of Israeli actions in this latest of a too-long series of wars.

By the way, the definition of “anti-Semitic” (American Heritage College Dictionary 3rd Edition) says: “One who discriminates against or shows hostility or prejudice toward Jews.” To make an anti-Semitic statement doesn’t necessarily make the statement false, but it assuredly makes it racist.

Instead of calling names and pointing fingers, pray. Pray that BOTH sides come to their senses before there’s no Middle East left for either side to claim as their own.

Kevin J. La Bona,

Lawrence