Banners are signs of unwarranted support

It's really no surprise that ourchamber of commerce is enthusiastically pushing for the city to hang ceremonial banners in honor of "individuals" serving in the armed forces (Burbank City Council Meeting Preview," March 11).

But it's wrongheaded for our City Council to get involved in this blatantly political endorsement of the war in Iraq, because that's exactly what it is.

There's no coincidence that the timing of this cynical move coincides exactly with the failure of this increasingly unpopular war, or the fact that it was first suggested by that most conservative Republican of our council, Jef Vander Borght.

If the city had commemorated our soldiers several years ago, they might have been able to get away with the claim that it had nothing to do with the war, only the troops.

So why are they doing so now? Why are the supporters of this misguided idea so eager to get these banners up and flying? The timing here is no coincidence. It's a blatant attempt to showcase an artificially bolstered support for a failed national policy.

Endorsement of this war is exactly how these banners

will be interpreted, and that's unfortunate for our civic reputation. It was hilarious to see city staffers at the March 14 council meeting eagerly inform the council about how surrounding communities have implemented similar ideas, while leaving out the unfortunate fact that so few have done so precisely because of the controversial political message it sends.

So here's a better idea. Since they just voted to

spend $300,000 to put up a ridiculous "gateway art installation" at Five Points ("Monuments funds approved," March 18), why don't we make it a huge dedication to all of our military?

We can festoon the site with flags and statues, and maybe throw in a few stealth fighters to boot, to honor Lockheed. It will certainly show the world what we're made of

around here. Oops ? maybe I shouldn't give them any ideas.

JIM CARLILE

Burbank