Two young writers and Web site producers recently won the prestigious Park Center for Independent Media Izzy Award, named for I.F. Stone, for excellence in journalism. One of whom, Glenn Greenwald, who has a blog that has become a much cited source of presidential power, has published a valuable paperback entitled, “How would a Patriot Act?” Reading this pamphlet would go a long way toward better understanding the current debate regarding torture technologies in today’s society.

As a side note, as a card carrying Republican for more than 50 years I am disturbed by the destruction of the party that seems to take direction from radio commentators and a governor who promotes shooting wolves from helicopters.

John Vinagro

Kennebunkport