Marshall Plan

The clear rejection by Venezuelan voters of the recall effort against leftist President Hugo Chavez is both a testament to democracy and a warning of the dangers of class polarization throughout the hemisphere, including the United States. In Venezuela, where a chasm divides the rich and the poor, the only place everyone is reasonably equal is in the voting booth. Not surprisingly, the poor have marshaled their voting power to elect populists who promise to address their needs.

Re "Bush Urges Leaders to Unite for Iraq's Sake," Sept. 24: We've all encountered the occasional nasty beggar, a fellow who insults you while demanding that you give him your change. It can be understood that someone living on the streets may not quite realize that he is not going about getting his needs met in the most logical or effective manner. But when the occupant of the White House goes to the United Nations, an organization he recently described as "irrelevant," and -- failing to take responsibility for the dreadful and inevitable results of his "go it alone" preemptive-war policy -- attempts to alternatively bully and shame member nations into rushing to his aid, one can only wonder whether our president even realizes that he has his hand out. Ronald Rubin Topanga President Bush has already eaten the dove.

The United States should invest $20.3 billion now to rebuild Iraq, lest the nation become a haven for terrorists or sink into the economic despair and extremism that helped produce fascism in Germany, the top U.S. administrator in Iraq told Congress on Monday. The appeal from L. Paul Bremer III came just hours after a suicide bomber struck the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, killing an Iraqi guard and injuring about a dozen other people.

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was in Israel advocating a "Marshall Plan" for the Palestinians. Proposing new Marshall plans seems to have become common political sport. In an April 2002 speech at the Virginia Military Institute, President Bush invoked the Marshall Plan to illustrate what was necessary for rebuilding Afghanistan.

Charles P. Kindleberger, an economic historian and expert on international monetary affairs who also helped formulate the Marshall Plan for the rebuilding of Europe after World War II, has died. He was 92. Kindleberger, an emeritus professor of economics at MIT and a widely published author, died Monday of a stroke at a hospital in Cambridge, Mass.

Daniel Serwer makes valid points in his Oct. 28 commentary ("Victory Is Just the Beginning") about the responsibilities of an invader to those invaded. No "moral" justification for an invasion can erase the destruction of life, property and potential. The U.S. recognized this obligation in the creation of the Marshall Plan after World War II. The Bush administration has given no indication, despite numerous opportunities, that it has any plan for fulfilling our responsibilities following an invasion of Iraq.

In the highest-scoring bowl game in history, Marshall rallied past East Carolina, 64-61, in double overtime Wednesday night to win the GMAC Bowl behind Byron Leftwich's 576 yards passing. Leftwich capped his performance with an eight-yard touchdown toss to Josh Davis to end the game. The Thundering Herd (11-2) stormed back from a 38-8 halftime deficit, tying the score, 51-51, in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Marshall wasted a chance to win in regulation by missing the extra point.

While everyone talks about Kurt Warner and Trent Green, the real reason the Rams are suddenly struggling continues to play, though obviously hampered by injuries. Running back Marshall Faulk was not much of a factor for the Rams in their 31-24 loss to New Orleans on Sunday, totaling 43 yards rushing and receiving. He had 27 yards in eight carries and two catches for 16 yards.

Marshall High is off to its best start in Coach Ray Avesian's seven seasons as coach. But after Marshall improved its record to 4-1 with a dominating 30-0 nonleague victory over Hollywood on Friday at Hollywood, Avesian said there's still improvement needed. "Today's was not our best game," Avesian said. "Our defense is our strength but on offense we're still working on some things." Marshall forced six turnovers.

Jermaine Marshall rushed for 301 yards and three touchdowns to lead Kilpatrick over Village Christian, 40-24, in an Alpha League game on Saturday night at Kennedy High. Marshall scored on runs of 61, 39 and 16 yards. Cesil Montgomery connected with Rudolph Moore for an 18-yard scoring pass play in the second quarter for Kilpatrick (6-2, 3-0 in league play). The Crusaders (2-6, 0-2) were led by Neil Gunn, who completed 11 of 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.