the terror verdict

I am a conservative and totally disagree with your editorial and the decision of the Obama administration to try terrorists in civil court ("Right path to justice," Tuesday).

However, I admire the canniness of President Obama and Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. It is a win-win situation. By trying the terrorists in civil court, Obama pleases the left and organizations like the ACLU. There is no doubt that the defense will raise the question of torture, waterboarding in particular - again, pleasing the left.

If the terrorists are convicted, all are happy. There was a civil trial and justice was done. If the terrorists are acquitted, it is the fault of the Bush administration for conducting illegal interrogation techniques.

Chicago politics at its best.

Bill Towey

Philadelphia

Perzel case shows

need for term limits

My first thought after reading about the latest indictment of state officials was that perhaps term limits may be a solution ("Perzel and nine others charged in Pa. probe," Nov. 13).

I recall when John M. Perzel was running for his first term in the Pennsylvania legislature, determined to be the first Republican from his district and to clean up after the fat cats in Harrisburg. He had the right stuff and the best intentions. After 30 years, the Harrisburg virus apparently took over.

Politicians will never enact term limits, but a referendum is needed to address the issue.

W.E. Boyle

Wallingford

weboyle@msn.com

Abortion beliefs

are not science

Re: "Science changing thinking on abortion," letter, Thursday:

Men, from the Catholic bishops on down, are entitled to their opinions on abortion, but those opinions should not dictate public policy.