Adrian Walker thinks that “odd delusions of grandeur” prompted Chuck Turner to raise the issue of Palestine at a recent Voting Rights Act rally. He quotes two people to the effect that what happens to Palestinians should be of no concern the Councilor’s constituents. (“Off key in a chorus,” Nov 17).

Oddly enough, those who would like to phase out the Voting Rights Act would probably agree. Foreign policy issues are too “charged and complex” for most voters. Our job is to pay the taxes and furnish the bodies to carry out the policies decided by our betters.

John Kerry spoke at that same rally without mentioning his support for Israel and more US troops to Iraq.

Everyone likes to give lip service to the memory of Dr Martin Luther King. Yet in his day, people feared that Dr King would break the unity of the civil rights movement by opposing the war against Viet Nam.

The key to these fears is the same today as it was then: the Democratic Party’s support for an aggressive, militaristic foreign policy.

Councilor Chuck Turner quotes Dr. King’s call for an end to ''the militarism, economic exploitation, and racism embedded in our federal policies." Is this what Mr Walker means by “shopworn lefty rhetoric?”

We must continue to struggle for civil rights in this country but not forget to stand up and be counted on the rights of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in the way that Chuck Turner so courageously understands.