Reparations For Toys R Us?

To the Editor:

I hope that everyone is as shocked as I am when they hear that Toys R Us is the recipient of reparations from Iraq.

That’s right. Toys R Us will receive $190,000 from a country struggling to keep its people safe and struggling to provide basic services like clean water.

During the invasion of Kuwait, Toys R Us claims they had a decline in business. Even if this was a legitimate claim, there is still a problem: This money is coming from the Iraqi people themselves.

Why is Toys R Us holding the Iraqi people responsible for Saddam’s actions? These are the very people who suffered under him!

We need to tell Toys R Us that this is irresponsible behavior. They are abusing the United Nations Compensation Committee, which was created to help real victims of Saddam.

We also need to choose wisely when shopping this holiday season. Do we really want to support a company that robs from the poor and gives to the rich?

Christopher Towne

14 Honey Lane, Sandy Hook                                  December 13, 2004