From a recent Times editorial ("Speaking of Pakistan"): "The safe havens have been attracting a growing number of foreign fighters who train there not just for assaults inside Afghanistan but elsewhere around the world. Pakistani leaders say their country will not allow foreign troops to operate there."

Conclusion of the editorial: "The Bush administration considers Pakistan an ally in the war on terror, but this ally has to make a more sustained effort to stop terrorist raids." My view and my opinion on this is like whistling in the wind, since I seldom get much or any traction, but here I go (again).

I have spoken, written and opined about neighbors in the Mideast around Iran to stop worrying about terrorists or the growing nuke problem with Iran by pitching in and forming a coalition of those neighbors to defend/protect themselves against anyone, including Iran, and to stop relying on U.S. blood and money.

It fell on deaf ears except directly to the people I have actually stood in front of and spoke those words.

I do not have the power of the press, the incumbency or a Tom Golisano and his millions to get out my message. I have one voice and lots of experience to carry me. Holding strong beliefs and views and expressing them is one thing, and it turns off many people. I know that, but holding those views and opinions and being right is a different issue, too.

The status quo is broken, and our fixes are Band-Aids at best. It deeply alarms me and I'm not one to be alarmed easily. The apathy and cynicism of the public amazes me. The public appears to be deeply concerned and worried and rightly so, but they mostly cannot bring themselves to work to get the kind of change they want.

I have always tried to be an agent for positive change, whether it was national or a local, city issue. I will continue to express my views on critical topics and lack of leadership on issues like torture of detainees (I am a former Marine interrogator who knows the rules) or about government's abuse of power (NSA/FISA rule-breaking and remaking), etc.

The Times editorial brings all that back into focus about the overall serious problems we face with no solution in sight. I wonder who is actually listening to the Times or to me, or even paying much attention?

Danny M. Francis

Watertown