Pair recommends book to president

Dear President Obama,

My daughter and I have written you three letters but have received no direct response to our message. In a further effort to gain your attention, we decided to e-mail you.

The topic of our concern is U.S. foreign policy on fighting terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We again implore you to read Greg Mortenson’s “Three Cups of Tea.” Here is a man putting his life on the line every day to combat terrorism through schools and education, not weapons. The Taliban fears schools because it’s difficult for them to recruit young people who are educated. Think how many lives, including American soldiers, could be saved if we took a more moderate and humanitarian approach to defeating terrorism? Think of how our military spending could be reduced, freeing up more resources for health care, education, etc. at home as well as reducing our national deficit?

We acknowledge your busy schedule, but if you cannot find the time to read this book, please ask Michele to read it. It is very, very important.

SHAKURA YOUNG

Elmira