Trying to Rewrite History

Regarding “The Kennedy Assassination’s Last Insider” (November 21 cover story), a few statements by [Rabbi Hillel] Silverman are easily disproved.

“People don’t kill unless there’s a conspiracy.” The vast majority of assassinations or attempts were perpetrated by one person.

“...they applauded in certain public schools when they heard Kennedy was shot.” This is second-hand anecdotal nonsense. Actual testimony by hundreds of thousands recounts a nation in shock.

Silverman calls Oswald a “misguided communist,” yet somehow comes to the conclusion that: “It [conservative Dallas] was an environment that made possible the assassination.” So conservatism caused a Kennedy-hating communist to pull the trigger? This is a disgusting tactic of the left trying to rewrite history when simple research shows that all assassins followed the leftist ideologies of Communism, Marxism, Socialism and Liberalism.

• Steve Bennett
• Julian

100 Most Influential

I was disappointed to see the San Diego Reader publish such an inaccurate portrayal of Hizmet (City Lights: “The Turks Are Coming...to a Charter School Near You,” November 14). Author Moss Gropen’s depiction of Fethullah Gulen and the civil society movement he helped build makes sweeping accusations that simply are not based on fact.

Fethullah Gulen has dedicated his life to interfaith tolerance and peaceful coexistence with people of all faiths and backgrounds. Mr. Gulen’s lifelong work on interfaith cooperation has earned him recognition from Christian and Jewish leaders in his homeland Turkey, and a personal audience with the late Pope John Paul II. He is also the recipient of New York-based East West Institute’s 2011 peace award. Former President Clinton praised him for his contributions to peace and mutual understanding.

Given all his good works, it’s no wonder Mr. Gulen ranks this year as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Mr. Gulen “preaches a message of tolerance that has won him admirers around the world,” wrote TIME. “As the most potent advocate of moderation in the Muslim world, Gulen is waging an urgently important campaign.”

Mr. Gulen has never been personally involved in the founding or administration of any public school. His influence, for those individuals familiar with his works and addresses, has been at the level of personal inspiration and motivation to serve the greater good of humanity through education, health care, and other philanthropic means.

I hope in the future to be able to discuss the core values of Mr. Gulen and the nature of his influence on social projects with Mr. Gropen and other journalists, to facilitate a more balanced and objective coverage.

It’s critically important to maintain clarity and perspective in order to foster better understanding on these important topics.

• Yuksel A. Aslandogan, PhD
• New York City

Need Help, Diva?

Missing Barbarella big time. I can’t imagine her life is lacking interesting anecdotes, but offer my assistance if so.

• Name Withheld
• Encinitas