Sting insists that his Uzbekistan concert acted as a cultural exchange that benefitted the country. It's not as if Sting plays politically rebellious music. I don't see how a concert of slow-tempo music contributed anything to Uzbekistan except giving its government further legitimacy and robbing the people of
2 million British pounds that he pocketed for his services.
And no less for Mariah Carey, Beyonce, 50 Cent and Nelly Furtado. Though they at least apologized about their Kadafi family concerts, they still don't understand that this money belongs to the Libyan people and shouldn't be redirected to the charities of their choice.
Ramzi Shakra
Los Angeles
For veterans
Re "A Pentagon Achilles' heel," Opinion, March 11
Lawrence Korb does not acknowledge the efforts of veterans to secure the promise of healthcare for life that were made to them when they signed up. If Tricare for Life is overused, it is because too many promises were made and too many wars were waged.
After World War II, lifetime healthcare was an incentive to encourage those who participated in wars to stay on in the reserves so the government could capitalize (at little cost) on their knowledge, training and experience. In return, the veteran could attain the golden ring of "healthcare for life."
Maybe it is time to stop those promises and stop the wars, but it is not time to breach the promises made many years ago.
Jean Arnwine
Altadena
Don't help Cuba
Re "Oil and gulf water," Opinion, March 14
Sarah Stephens tries to make the case that lifting the U.S. embargo on Cuba would be good for the environment. Until and unless Cuba's government changes and stops oppressing its people, I see no reason to do so.
Cuba's government has been trying for years to find oil, with no success. If the Cubans do find it, I hope we have the backbone to not buy any of it until Cuba's prisons are empty of peaceful dissidents, political parties and a free press are allowed, and free elections are held.
In the meantime, may they spend a lot of money and come up empty.
Valia Bello
Burbank
